The PSL's silly season becomes even sillier with legal wrangles on the increase
John Comitis John Comitis, Cape Town City FC chairman. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
The post-Premiership period is often referred to as the 'silly season' in South African football — a time typically characterised by rampant speculation, transfer news, and managerial changes.
However, this year, the tenor of the silly season has shifted dramatically, as the PSL finds itself ensnared in a bewildering series of legal disputes that are overshadowing the traditional excitement.
Less than a week ago, the PSL finally resolved the contentious matter surrounding an abandoned match between SuperSport United and Lamontville Golden Arrows that occurred in March. The game, played a few days ago, ended in a 1–1 draw.
This result confirmed that SuperSport retained their Premiership status. Meanwhile, Cape Town City, who languished in 15th place in the revised 15-team league, will now face the daunting challenge of the annual PSL promotion/relegation play-offs.
As if that scenario were not enough, the intrigue thickened with ongoing legal challenges from clubs within the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Cape Town Spurs and JDR Stars have taken their battle against the apparent legality of Durban City's status as winners — due to the suspected use of an ineligible player — from PSL arbitration to the jurisdiction of Safa. There remains cautious optimism that this issue could also be resolved within the week.
There is also talk that other National First Division clubs are keeping a close watch on proceedings, as some may have been impacted when playing against Durban City.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Celebrity boxing match set to ignite the ring in July
The glitz and glam of South African entertainment will collide with the grit and intensity of boxing when the Lehlohonolo Ledwaba Memorial Celebrity Boxing Event takes centre stage on July 26 at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park. TLB Boxing Promotions hosted the official press conference for the much-anticipated event on Tuesday at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. The event is not just about punches and showmanship; it's a tribute to the late boxing legend Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, whose impact on the sport continues to inspire athletes and fans alike. In attendance at the media briefing were some of the biggest names from entertainment and sports, including legendary boxer Cassius Baloyi, Siphiwe 'Picat' Sibeko from iconic kwaito group Alaska and celebrity boxing contenders NaakMusiQ, Phumlani Njilo and Chad Da Don. Notably absent was actor Abdul Khoza, who could not attend due to other commitments.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Full list: 10 signings linked with Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi flanked by the club's Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr (left) and the Football Manager Bobby Motaung (right). Image: Goal Kaizer Chiefs are linked with an exciting list of players. The most popular names include Monnapule Saleng, Oswin Appollis and Fiston Mayele. Here's a list of nine players who have been mentioned in the same sentence as Kaizer Chiefs over the past seven days. Kaizer Chiefs bosses to sign two Sundowns superstars? According to various local reports, Amakhosi are linked with a host of attacking talent. Of the nine players mentioned this past week, only one of them is a defender: Fawaaz Basadien. The rest of the pack includes wingers, midfielders and of course strikers. Full List: Monnapule Saleng, 27, winger, Orlando Pirates. Feisal Salum, 28, midfielder, Azam FC Asanele Velebayi, 22, winger, Cape Town Spurs Sipho Mbule, 27, midfielder, Mamelodi Sundowns Rivaldo Coetzee Jean Charles Ahoua Etiosa Igodaro Fiston Mayele Fawaaz Basadien Oswin Appollis, 23, winger, Polokwane City. Zimbabwean attacker to Orlando Pirates? Spotted: Kaizer Chiefs coach Nabi in Africa Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: Who will replace José Riveiro in the hot seat?
Orlando Pirates find themselves at a critical juncture following the departure of head coach José Riveiro to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Under Riveiro, the Buccaneers reclaimed silverware and re-established their competitive edge. Now, with the top job vacant, the club must identify a new leader capable of elevating the team from cup success to consistent league triumphs. The next appointment isn't just about tactics, it's about vision, identity, and ambition. Here's a look at the top contenders linked to one of South African football's most high-pressure positions, as per iDiski Times . Rulani Mokwena, recently departed from Moroccan giants Wydad AC, brings both local experience and international perspective. He previously led the Buccaneers in an interim capacity, and his time with Mamelodi Sundowns saw him mature into a top-level tactician. Having tasted success across the continent, Mokwena could be poised for a high-profile return, though expectations will be far higher than during his first stint. Pablo Franco Martin blends analytical insight with international coaching experience. Best known locally for his time at AmaZulu, he recently left Saudi side Al-Faisaly and has managed in Spain's top flight with Getafe. His progressive style may suit Pirates' desire to dominate possession and control games with finesse. Pablo Machín made headlines in Spain for guiding Girona to their first-ever LaLiga promotion. His journey through elite clubs like Sevilla and Espanyol speaks volumes, but adapting to the intensity and unpredictability of Orlando Pirates is a different challenge altogether. His tactical rigidity might either provide much-needed structure, or clash with the PSL's expressive nature. Former Raja Casablanca manager Ricardo Sá Pinto brings a fiery touchline presence and a high-tempo style of football. With coaching stints across Europe, Asia, and Africa, he has lifted trophies at clubs such as Standard Liège, Esteghlal, and APOEL. Sá Pinto's charisma and intensity might ignite a spark at Pirates, but could his volatility prove a risk? Abdeslam Ouaddou may not be the loudest name on the list, but his recent success at Marumo Gallants speaks volumes. He stabilised the struggling side and earned praise for quickly turning things around. A former Moroccan international with European experience, Ouaddou could be a surprise choice, yet one with genuine upside. When you think of African coaching excellence, Pitso Mosimane inevitably comes to mind. With three CAF Champions League titles and historic success at Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns, he remains one of the most decorated coaches on the continent. However, with his current focus on Middle Eastern projects and youth development through his football schools, a return to the PSL, and specifically Pirates, appears improbable. Already part of the technical staff, Mandla Ncikazi understands the club's ethos and squad dynamics better than most. He briefly co-led the side during a transitional period and remains a respected figure within the setup. While he offers continuity and cohesion, questions linger about whether he has the stature and tactical sharpness to lead a title charge. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
