Cape Town City chairman slams PSL over delayed fixture decision amid governance concerns

IOL News

18-05-2025

Furious Cape Town City boss John Comitis has slammed PSL for dragging their heels.
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
In a wave of disillusionment, Cape Town City FC chairman John Comitis has expressed outrage over the PSL indecisiveness regarding the postponed fixture between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows.
In February, the Betway Premiership clash was abandoned at half-time due to a power outage caused by loadshedding. Nearly three months later, the PSL have yet to make a final ruling on the outcome of the match.
Stakeholders are baffled by the league's apparent hesitation, raising concerns about governance, transparency, and possible conflicts of interest. Comitis voiced his growing frustration when contacted by Independent Media, stating that clubs are preparing for the final rounds of the season without clarity on their true point standings.
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A similar issue occurred in 2019 when delays in decision-making prompted then-Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane to lament, 'You don't know how many points you have in the bag; this thing takes too long. You can't fight when you don't know how much ammunition you have.'
Comitis echoed those sentiments, 'After 25 years of the PSL, we still can't finish a league on the same day. We should arrive at training this week with teams having played the same number of games.'
The PSL has long touted themselves as 'the best in Africa' and 'among the best in the world,' yet now finds themselves mired in controversy. Much of this centres on the appointment of Mato Madlala — the chairperson and owner of Lamontville Golden Arrows — as acting chief executive officer (CEO).
This dual role has intensified concerns about impartiality and poor corporate governance. Critics argue that her continued involvement with a competing club undermines the credibility of league decisions, particularly in matters involving Golden Arrows.
Comitis did not mince words.
'I can't send a letter to the CEO of the PSL because she has a conflict of interest. I can't even pick up the phone and call her to ask what is happening.
"I am extremely perturbed by how the League and the executive have left the matter of the Golden Arrows versus SuperSport United game unresolved, despite it being addressed by the Disciplinary Committee.
'How is it possible that a situation from February remains unresolved just as we approach the final two games of the season?
"This impacts the potential relegation of Golden Arrows, SuperSport United, and Cape Town City.'
Three points on the road, and focus shifts to next Saturday ✅
A 𝒃𝒊𝒈 week lies ahead #iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/XJgCRpMjBT — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 18, 2025
He continued, 'We handle other matters swiftly, yet this case is left hanging.
"It's disappointing because I thought we had moved past such issues. The teams that played against Royal AM and secured points were at a disadvantage — including Golden Arrows and Cape Town City. Additionally, we received yellow cards against Royal AM, which had serious implications later on, and those cards still stand.'
Comitis questioned the league's progress, saying, 'It's nearly 30 years since the PSL was established, and we still can't get it right.
'The case involving SuperSport and Golden Arrows should have been resolved at least a month ago. I'm raising this issue because it affects three clubs that are vying for the same outcomes. There is simply no excuse for the lack of resolution.
'Similar cases have been dealt with in the past, and regardless of the outcome, I'm not prescribing what should happen. But if the League wants to uphold integrity and fair play, the current situation is unacceptable.'
As the PSL continues to delay its ruling, questions mount within the South African football community. Is this merely bureaucratic inefficiency, or could it point to deeper governance failures?
With the stakes higher than ever, Comitis and other stakeholders are demanding transparency. The outcome of this unresolved match — and the league's handling of it — could have a lasting impact on both club standings and the credibility of South African football.
Supporters across the country will be watching closely to see how this critical chapter unfolds.