By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed on Thursday, that Moroka Swallows will appear before the league’s Disciplinary Committee on January 11 to answer charges of misconduct and bringing the league into disrepute.
Swallows failed to honour their DStv Premiership fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns (December 27) and Lamontville Golden Arrows (December 30) following a pay dispute between players and management.
“I can confirm Moroka Swallows football club were charged for misconduct and bringing the league into disrepute pursuant to their failure to honour fixtures scheduled for the 27 and 30 December 2023,” Majavu said in an official announcement to the media.
“They will appear before the PSL DC on 11 January 2024 and 11h00 at the offices of the league – once the matter is finalised will a further update be provided.”
It is expected they will forfeit the points from those games, but what could be more concerning for club management will be any further sanctions imposed by the DC.
Swallows could face a heavy monetary fine, major points deduction or even expulsion from the league. The PSL rules say that if a club is unable to fulfil its obligations, it may have its membership of the league cancelled.
Club Chairman David Magashoa confirmed that the problem stemmed from a backlog of payments, as the club failed to secure a title sponsorship for the season.
The unfolding drama has taken a toll on the team, as they were pursuing a top-three position but they have plummeted to 11th place, accumulating 19 points from 14 league games.