Moroka Swallows have made a drastic move in an attempt to address a recent disciplinary issue, releasing 22 players with immediate effect.
This development comes amidst an ongoing pay dispute between PSL side Swallows and the players. It adds further turmoil to an already challenging season.
The players that have been released are former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, Thakasani Mbanjwa, Buhle Thompson, Bongani Sam, Mthokozisi Shwabule, Sipho Sibiya, Lantshane Phalane, Ephraim Mangweni, Tshediso Patjie, Wandisile Letlabika, and Givemore Khupe.
The long list also includes Thandolwethu Ngwenya, Wade Poole, Siyabonga Khumalo, Falakhe Tshanini, Olwethu Khumalo, Strydom Wambi, Rampa Mkhuseli, Ntsako Makhubela, Lindokuhle Mtshali, Kwanda Mngonyama and Tlakusani Mthethwa.
The Dube Birds have not yet released an official statement regarding the reasons behind the mass departures. However, club chairman David Mogashoa revealed recently that they have embarked on a disciplinary hearing against players who downed tools.
Driven by financial hardship and discontent, Swallows players took the step of refusing to play two DStv Premiership games in December 2023 and going on strike for 10 days prior to their SuperSport United clash in the same month.
As a result of failing to honour the matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows FC last month due to the players’ protest, Swallows forfeited six points and were fined a staggering R1 million by the PSL DC.
Swallows boss Mogashoa confirmed to FARPost: “There were delays [in paying the players], but the salaries were paid in full.”
As reported by this publication, players demanded to be paid their December salaries early. This is despite the contractual agreement that they get paid on 31 December. But Mogashoa only assured them they would get their pay before the 31st of December.
SWALLOWS CHAIRMAN MOGASHOA CONFIRM DISMISSAL OF 22 PLAYERS
And on Friday evening, he announced the 22 players were charged [for breach of contract] and appeared before a DC.
“All the players that were charged and appeared before the Moroka Swallows Disciplinary Committee… Some of them were found guilty because we had three batches of players represented by different legal representatives,” said Mogashoa. He was speaking on Robert Marawa’s show on Radio 947.
“The first batch of players were represented by the players union [SAFPU]; they came yesterday [Thursday], and they were found guilty; the sanction came today, and they were all dismissed. I’m waiting for the verdict for the batch of players that were represented by two private attorneys.
“For today, 22 players were dismissed. In every legal process, there is always recourse for those who are aggrieved by the outcome of that legal process. They have their own options, and they can exercise their options. But, as far as the club is concerned, the independent chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee has made his ruling and imposed sanctions on the players.
“We can’t interfere with that; we are happy with that. Similarly, we will live with it and move on as we lived with it with the sanction imposed by the PSL DC on Swallows, and we moved on… the previous contracts are terminated.”
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