The leadership battle in the SAFA Vhembe region has gotten petty, as officials have now taken each other to court over laptops.
FARPost reported in December that ten executive committee officials from the region had been handed decade-long bans with immediate effect.
The officials fall under the Thulamela Football Association [THULFA]. The ban comes after the said officials reportedly refused to take orders from the regional authorities. They also failed in their attempt to get FIFA to resolve the matter.
The resumption of leagues under SAFA has also been delayed in THULFA due to the infighting with the region having taken charge of the affairs.
WHY THE FIGHT OVER LAPTOPS BY THE SAFA OFFICIALS
The banned officials allegedly do not recognise the decision by the region and believe they remain a legitimate structure. They, therefore, approached the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court requesting that they issue an order to the region to give them the laptops that are used for day to day running of the LFA.
In a court judgment seen by FARPost, the court has subsequently granted their wish. It further instructed the region to return the laptops.
COURT ORDERS TROUBLED VHEMBE REGION TO ABIDE BY THE RULING IMMEDIATELY
“The Respondents are hereby ordered to forthwith and with immediate effect fully restore possession of two laptops. As they enjoyed before 09 January 2024 and to return the laptop chargers to the Applicants,” read the court order.
“The Sheriff of the above honourable Court, assisted by the South African Police Service if necessary, is ordered to accompany the Applicants to the Respondents’ place of employment at office 01 and 02 SAFA Vhembe offices, MMK Centre opposite FNB Thohoyandou or wherever the HP Laptops may be. Should the Respondents not restore the Applicants possession of the said HP Laptops immediately after receiving this Court order.”
Both the SAFA Vhembe and the Thulamela banned officials were not available for comment.
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