By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs have won their arbitration against the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for failing to honour two fixtures in December last year.
On Friday, SAFA arbitrator Nazeer Cassim SC handed down his verdict in favour of Chiefs.
Back in December, a mass Covid-19 outbreak at the club occurred, with no less than 52 members testing positive for the virus.
Chiefs wrote to the league, urging the postponement of the relevant fixtures for the sake of public safety, but the PSL took nearly three weeks to respond and then relied on an early pandemic resolution that virus cases couldn’t be used as a reason for postponements.
Soweto giants took matters into its own hands during that time and opted not to honour their fixtures against Cape Town City and Golden Arrows before returning to play Sekhukhune United 10 days later.
Chiefs were charged by PSL prosecutor, Zola Majavu over the matter, and Nazeer Cassim was appointed as arbitrator after they failed to reach a resolution.
“It is my view that Kaizer Chiefs was justified in not fielding teams for the fixtures on December 4 and December 8 2021. These two games must be replayed,” Cassim said.
“There is much to be said that where possible games must be replayed in order to enable soccer to triumph and the best team on the day in question to be rewarded for its efforts.
“I am averse to the litigation process deciding the winner. It is better that the results of the match be determined in the field.”
This decision could potentially play a big part in determining the champions of the DStv premiership.
Chiefs will continue their quest for Caf Champions League football when they take on Golden Arrows in a DStv Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
Stuart Baxter’s side claimed the Soweto derby spoils when they beat arch-rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 a fortnight ago to record their third win in four games.
Chiefs are now unbeaten in their last four outings and will attempt to leapfrog Royal AM into second position, if only for 24 hours, with Thwihli Thwahla in action on Sunday against Stellenbosch.