By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Moroka Swallows will not honour their remaining DStv Premiership fixtures of 2023, following a dispute between the club management and its players.
Swallows were supposed to play Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday at Loftus Verseveld, but just hours before the scheduled 7.30pm kick off, the Premier Soccer League announced that the game had been called off.
No reasons were given for the match postponements but Swallows players have reported not been paid for several weeks.
“The Premier Soccer League has been officially notified today that Moroka Swallows Football Club is unable to fulfil its scheduled DStv Premiership fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns on 27 December 2023, and Lamontville Golden Arrows on 30 December 2023.
The League extends its sincere apologies to all stakeholders, including clubs, partners, media and spectators, for this unfortunate situation,” said a league statement.
Swallows are likely to be charged and could face a major points fine or even expulsion from the league.
The PSL rules say that club that is unable to fulfil its obligations may have its membership of the league cancelled.
A statement from Swallows added: “On behalf of Moroka Swallows FC, an apology is extended to all affected parties due to the cancellation of the following games against Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Goldern Arrows FC.
“Due to an unresolved dispute between players and management; that has resulted in management having to request cancellation of the two remaining games of this year from the PSL, to allow it time to correct the situation.
“Management would like to assure everyone within and outside the club that the process of finding one another will soon be found. It has been resolved that no further details will be officially given until an update from the club is issued.”
Earlier this month Swallows coach Steve Komphela told reporters that players did not train for 10 days and the club’s chairman David Mogashoa admitted delays in paying the players, but claimed they have since sorted out the arrears.