Why Limpopo ABC Motsepe League teams are refusing to start the season

A legal battle is looming between SAFA Limpopo and ABC Motsepe League clubs, which could further delay the start of the 2023/24 season. The ABC Motsepe League season in the province was scheduled to commence during the first week of October with the Nedbank Cup qualifications and the league action a week later.

However, a dispute over the number of teams being relegated to the lower league has delayed the kickoff. The owners of the clubs and SAFA in the province have been involved in meetings to find solutions without success.

WHAT HAS CAUSED ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE DELAY IN LIMPOPO?

The relegation of Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila from the Motsepe Foundation Championship had a lot of impact on the latest developments. Under normal circumstances, only two teams get relegated at the end of each season. But the relegation of Leopards and TTM meant four teams needed to make way.

SAFA reportedly wants the league to have 20 teams this season. The teams, on the other hand, are refusing and want the usual 18, which is divided into two streams.

CLUB BOSSES PROTEST SAFA’S DECISION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TEAMS

However, SAFA still maintains only two teams should be relegated, which will take the number to 20. The decision has been met with opposition from the clubs. They have raised issues of financial implications that come with too many teams, amongst other things. The relegated teams are Mikhado and Musina United from Stream A. Phinnet and PJ Stars were relegated from Stream B.

There have been back-and-forth discussions between the SAFA leadership and the clubs, led by Board Chairperson Mighty Tjale, with no resolution.

FARPost has now established that following a meeting held at Meropa Casino in Polokwane on Monday, the clubs decided to approach the courts for a way forward.

This publication reached out to SAFA Limpopo’s head of competitions Magabolle Thokwane for clarification. Thokwane, who also serves as the provincial chairperson, indicated that the PEC were still deliberating on the matter.

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