Staff Reporter.
Chippa United have secured their top-flight status after another no-show by Royal AM in their promotion/relegation playoff match.
The controversial 2020/21 PSL promotion/relegation playoffs reached their conclusion at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday where Chippa United secured their DStv Premiership status for next season following a no-show from opponents Royal AM.
With Royal embroiled in a legal battle with the PSL over the club’s belief that it should have secured automatic promotion from the GladAfrica Championship, the Kwazulu Natal-based outfit boycotted all of their previous playoff matches and once again failed to honour their fixture in Gqeberha.
Royal’s absence ensured that the Chilli Boys will be back in the top-flight for the 2021/22 campaign after Lehlhonolo Seema’s side previously side recorded a 2-1 win and 1-1 draw in their two other playoff matches against Richards Bay FC to mathematically survive the drop.
The chaotic situation surrounding the playoffs stems from the decision by the PSL Disciplinary Committee to award three points to Royal’s rivals Sekhukhune United, which resulted in the latter securing automatic promotion at their expense.
Legal proceedings relating to that decision, and the PSL’s decision to subsequently proceed with the playoff matches despite a court interdict from the Gauteng High Court, are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
The PSL itself has remained mum on the potential sanctions that Royal AM will face, and notably whether their opponents will be handed the three points by a 3-0 scoreline as expected.
The promotion play-offs log sees Chippa United top the standings with just two of the scheduled matches taking place.
PSL Promotion Standings (current points tally)
Chippa United – 4 points
Richards Bay – 1 point
Royal AM FC – 0 points
PSL Promotion Standings (projected points tally)
Chippa United – 10 points
Richards Bay – 7 points
Royal AM FC – 0 points.