Betway Premiership club Marumo Gallants will only pay a fine for fielding an ineligible player, Monde Mphambaniso.
Premier Soccer League prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed on Thursday evening that Marumo Gallants have been fined R200 000 over the improper registration of Mphambaniso.
The midfielder participated in 26 league matches during the 2024/25 season, and Cape Town City lodged a protest questioning his eligibility.
The PSL DC presided over the matter, and Marumo Gallants pleaded guilty, according to PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu, but they only incurred a monetary fine.
“I can confirm that the PSL DC has finalized a disciplinary matter in which I had preferred charges of misconduct against Marumo Gallants, as well as its player Monde Mphambaniso,” said Majavu.
“This case stemmed from the registration of Mr. Mphambaniso, which was procured by Marumo Gallants, without the required clearance certificate in accordance with the rules of the League.
“Marumo Gallants pleaded guilty, and in the result, was subsequently convicted as such. Coming to the issue of sanctions, having listened to the evidence in aggravation, as well as evidence in mitigation… the PSL DC ruled as follows: one, that Marumo Gallants be fined an amount of R200 000, half of which is immediately payable and the other half suspended for 24 months, on condition that during the period of suspension, they are not found guilty of the same offence again,” confirmed Majavu.
Majavu added, “Marumo Gallants were further directed to carry the costs of the DC hearing up until the matter was finalized. With regard to the player (Mphambaniso), he was found not guilty, and as a result, no sanction was meted out to him.”
Cape Town City is at liberty to take the matter further on appeal.
“This is the end of this matter for now, unless a party that is aggrieved by this outcome exercises its right to appeal, in which case we will deal with the matter when it arises.”
African Times reported earlier in the day that when Marumo Gallants sold their status to Leruma United and then acquired Moroka Swallows’ top-flight status, a new club was effectively formed.
Legally, Mphambaniso should have remained with Leruma United. If he was going to move from Leruma United to the new Marumo Gallants, there needed to be a clearance issued.
