A shocking case of unfair dismissal has come to light in the PSL. A player who recently signed a contract was allegedly fired after just one month and received a paltry R1000 in wages.
The player is now seeking legal action against the club.
The Football Union of South Africa [FUSA] has launched a scathing attack on Motsepe Foundation Championship club Leruma United FC, alleging that the club engaged in unfair dismissal and wage theft.
According to FUSA, the footballer in question was employed by Leruma United from August 2024 to June 2025 and was wrongfully terminated and denied his full salary for the month of August. The player was also not given a proper opportunity to defend himself before being dismissed.
On 1 August 2024, the affected footballer and Leruma entered into a written contract of employment in which he was entitled to a monthly salary of R6 000.
The contract was set to run for a fixed-term until 30 June 2025. However, the club allegedly neglected to pay the salary for August 2024 in full.
The footballer was paid the amount of R1 000. On September 11, 2024, the club issued a termination letter to the footballer, a copy of which FARPost obtained. The letter stated that the player was not required to serve a notice period.
FUSA argues that Leruma failed to adhere to the prescribed procedures outlined in the Labour Relations Act [LRA] and the Code of Good Practice [COGP]. The club also did not conduct a thorough investigation into the reasons for dismissal, failed to provide the player with a fair hearing and did not communicate the reason for his termination.
LERUMA FC RESPOND TO THE ALLEGATIONS
FUSA secretary-general Taelo Motloung expressed deep concern over the allegations, stating that such practices are entirely unacceptable and that FUSA will not tolerate the exploitation of its members.
“FUSA will not tolerate the exploitation of players,” Motloung declared.
“Players deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes fair compensation for their services.”
As a result of Leruma FC’s actions, FUSA contends that the player’s rights were violated, and he is seeking compensation for lost wages and other damages. The player is demanding a total of R78,669.06 in compensation.
Leruma Thobejane, the owner of the club which took over the Motsepe Foundation Championship status of Marumo Gallants ahead of the 2024/25 season, denied the allegations.
“I explained to the players what pro-rata means,” Thobejane told FARPost. “There are two players that claim they were unfairly dismissed, but that is between them and the club.”
He added: “Sometimes when people aren’t honest, they can tell you a story, but they cannot back it up.”
In addition to the first complaint, FUSA has revealed that there was a second case of unfair treatment.
While the details are similar, the second player was reportedly earning R2000 per month. The allegations paint a grim picture of the conditions some PSL players face, highlighting the urgent need for greater protection and fair treatment within the league.
RELATED STORY: Another PSL club grapples with unpaid salaries crisis
