PSL club comment on alleged player irregularity case
A PSL club has commented on speculation that they could be in trouble with the league’s DC and possibly end up being relegated.
Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC are alleged to have broken the league’s Under-23 rule against Upington FC on 6 April 2024.
The KZN club reportedly made an error after they replaced two U-23 players with overage players during the match at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
Rule 35.3 of the PSL handbook mandates that “clubs participating in the National First Division must include in the team sheet for every match a minimum of five players who are both under 23 and eligible to represent South Africa. A minimum of two Under-23 players must be on the field of play at all times during a match.”
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It is further reported that Upington lodged a protest against Milford upon realising the error. But Miford assistant coach Nkululeko Buthelezi insists their club has never committed any wrongdoing and knows nothing about the alleged case.
“Let me tell you the truth. We have never made such a mistake,” said Buthelezi after Milford’s defeat to Venda FC over the weekend.
“We stick to the rules of the Game, five U-23 players and we know how many U-23 [players] must be inside. So I didn’t know about those things. But I heard those rumours. But I don’t know; I don’t know about the case or anything of that sort.”
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With only one match remaining and seven clubs facing possible relegation, Buthelezi admits that no one is safe from getting the chop to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League.
“Everyone [must fight for survival]. Even Venda have to be safe. If we win, we are on 34, and if they lose, we have a better goal difference,” added Buthelezi.
“So that’s why they are celebrating like this because they know. Let me tell you, until the last day of the season then we can talk. For now, no one is safe. For now, I can guarantee you that.”
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