By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Premier Soccer Legue (PSL) Disciplinary Committee (DC) has fined Marumo Gallants R200,000 for fielding an ineligible player during the 2024/25 season.
The sanction comes after Cape Town City won their arbitration case against Gallants and the outcome enabled the PSL disciplinary committee to initiate an investigation into Monde Mphambaniso’s eligibility.
City argued that Gallants violated Rule 31.8.9.3 of the NSL handbook, which requires a clearance certificate to be submitted to the league in cases where a player has previously been registered as a professional with a member club.
Mphambaniso made 26 appearances for Gallants last season.
Gallants pleaded guilty when appearing in front of the PSL Disciplinary Committee for the improper registration of Mpambaniso. As a result of the guilty verdict, Gallants will have to pay a fine of R200,000, with 50% suspended for 24 months.
“The PSL DC ruled as follows: one, that Marumo Gallants be fined an amount of R200,000, half of which is immediately payable, and the other half suspended for 24 months, on condition that during the period of suspension they are not found guilty of the same offence again,” PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu said on Thursday.
“Should they reoffend, that suspended portion would be triggered immediately, and they will be further sanctioned for that subsequent misdemeanour.”
A points deduction would have seen Gallants finish bottom of the Betway Premiership, resulting in the Citizens retaining their place in the league.
Gallants finished 10th on the log with 32 points in 28 games, after winning eight, drawing eight, and suffering 12 defeats.