By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sekhukhune United were awarded three points following a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after it was discovered that Polokwane City failed to oblige to the National Soccer League (NSL) rules by not using five players aged under 23 in their team sheet in a game which Polokwane initially won 1-0.
The ruling has moved Sekhukhune from second spot (47 points) to the top of the GladAfrica Championship table‚ putting them level with Royal AM on 50 points with one round of matches remaining on Sunday.
Sekhukhune have the advantage because of their superior goal difference.
Royal AM previously had a three-point lead and needed just a point on the final day of the season to seal the championship and gain automatic promotion to the DSTV premiership. This judgement now means the final day is set for two tense and dramatic clashes.
The PSL Disciplinary Committee (DC) initially found City guilty of having contravened the National Soccer League (NSL) handbook rules after they failed to include five Under-23 players in their team sheet against Sekhukhune in January.
The DC deducted three points from City but did not award those points to Sekhukhune‚ who challenged the decision and argued that they played the match under protest.
On Wednesday the arbitrator awarded ‘Babina Noko’ the three points and a win margin of 3-0‚ which has significantly strengthened their chances of qualification to the PSL because of their superior goal difference.
The news will no doubt be a major frustration to the entire Royal AM team as well as the Royal owners comprising Shauwn Mkhize and son Andile Mpisane who were celebrating the club’s promotion following their 2-1 victory over the University of Pretoria last weekend.
The battle for promotion and to beat the drop in the GladAfrica Championship will go down to the final weekend with all still to play for at the conclusion of the regular season on Sunday.
The permutations for relegation are quite simple, with one of Steenberg United or Cape Town Spurs (formerly Ajax Cape Town) destined for the drop.
PSL Executive Committee Media Statement: pic.twitter.com/WFFr2utYfX
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 19, 2021
Meanwhile the Premier Soccer League Executive Commitee will meet on Thursday to discuss arbitration outcome on the Polokwane City and Sekhukune United matter.