Moroka Swallows have offered an explanation for their eleventh-hour decision to withdraw from their DStv Premiership matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
This comes after the PSL released a statement on Wednesday announcing that Swallows pulled the plug on their final two fixtures of 2023.
But just as quickly as the bombshell dropped, the PSL and Swallows issued swift apologies to all affected by the cancelled fixtures.
The Dube Birds did not explicitly reveal what the “unresolved dispute between the players and management” is. However, the club promised to resolve the issue.
But according to FARost sources, Swallows players demanded to be paid their December salaries early. This is despite the contractual agreement that they get paid on 31 December. They wanted to get their money like everyone heading into the festive season.
However, the management only assured them that they would get their pay before the 31st of December.
MOROKA SWALLOWS STATEMENT
“On behalf of Moroka Swallows FC, an apology is extended to all affected parties due to the cancellation of the following games against Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Goldern Arrows FC.
“Due to an unresolved dispute between players and management; that has resulted in management having to request cancellation of the two remaining games of this year from the PSL, to allow it time to correct the situation.
“Management would like to assure everyone within and outside the club that the process of finding one another will soon be found. It has been resolved that no further details will be officially given until an update from the club is issued.”
Two weeks ago, the club’s head coach, Steve Komphela, revealed that his troops boycotted training due to unpaid salaries. The players did not train for 10 days leading up to the encounter against SuperSport United.
But Swallows’ chairman David Mogashoa told FARPost that he paid the players their November salaries.
The Soweto side went on to a goalless draw in the DStv Premiership against Royal AM on Saturday, 23 December. That was their most recent game.
They were meant to play Sundowns on Wednesday, 27 December. The Arrows clash was scheduled for three days later, but both fixtures have been postponed.
PSL apologises as Swallows withdraw from league games
“The Premier Soccer League has been officially notified today that Moroka Swallows Football Club is unable to fulfil its scheduled DStv Premiership fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns on 27 December 2023 and Lamontville Golden Arrows on 30 December 2023,” reads the PSL’s statement.
“The League extends its sincere apologies to all stakeholders, including clubs, partners, media and spectators, for this unfortunate situation.”
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