There is trouble brewing at Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Siwelele FC.
Club chairman Calvin Le John came out guns blazing on Sunday to make a few announcements that have not gone down well with local football stakeholders.
Siwelele FC was acquired as a “going concern” when they bought the top-flight status of SuperSport United, and barely three months later, there are major changes.
Le John announced the departures of CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse a day after they lost 2-0 to Magesi FC in Polokwane.
Siwelele FC now has a new acting CEO (Lerato Kholoanyane), and the club will make about six new signings this week, but Le John raised concerns when he mentioned the club will also be getting rid of players.
“We are going to terminate the contracts of various players who have not shown the heart and willingness to fight for this team,” said Le John.
Not so fast, however. Lawyer and co-founder of P Management, Karabo Mathang Tshabuse, quickly fired a warning to Le John.
“Please make sure you mutually separate with the players, as unilaterally terminating players’ contracts (even for performance issues) may open you up to unfair dismissal and damages claims,” she stated.
African Times can confirm that P Management represents eight Siwelele FC players.
Meanwhile, the South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) has entered the fray in defence of the employees at Siwelele, including players. SAFPU addressed a few issues in a statement issued on Monday morning.
“Clubs are bought and sold as a going concern (which means the new owner inherits its assets and debts). This principle was specifically designed to protect the contracts of workers. A footballer’s livelihood cannot be treated as disposable, nor can contractual obligations be cast aside as though human beings were objects on a balance sheet,” SAFPU said.
The Union also raised concerns over travelling, stating that the so-called “policy” implemented by the club that travel under 600 km is by road is unfair to the players.
“This approach is not sustainable; it is proof that financial due diligence was either neglected or irresponsibly managed when the club was acquired,” the statement read. “To impose policies that endanger health and dignity is nothing short of trampling on the soul of football.”
And SAFPU is having none of Le John’s threats of looming contract terminations.
“To declare that players ‘lacked heart and willingness to fight for the team’ is a reckless insult that tramples on their professionalism, dignity, and livelihoods. The NSL Handbook requires clubs to act in good faith and uphold the dignity of participants, while the FIFA RSTP makes it clear that ‘just cause’ does not include mere ‘lack of heart’ or poor performance alone,” SAFPU noted.
Acting SAFPU president Tebogo Monyai added, “Such baseless accusations corrode reputations, diminish market value, and jeopardize careers. SAFPU therefore demands clarity and, if necessary, a retraction. If these insults are not addressed, we will pursue remedies through relevant bodies. The integrity of our players is not for public auction.”
