With the North West ABC Motsepe League season reaching its fever pitch, Lerumo Lions have lodged a complaint with SAFA against Thames FC for fielding an ineligible player.
As things stand, Thames have accumulated enough points to win the North West amateur league. However, they won’t be crowned champions, as a pending judicial matter remains between them and the Lions. This means the winner will be confirmed after the case is resolved.
Thames are currently placed at the top of the table with 95 points from 35 outings. The side will play their last game of the campaign against Stilfontein Real Hearts on Saturday, 24 May, away from home. The kick-off is set for 15:00 at Coleridge Stadium.
Meanwhile, Lions find themselves in second position with 83 points after 33 games. The Sibongile Marokana-owned club has two games in hand.
Lions’ next league assignment will be against Jack All Stars on Saturday, 24 May, at Carousel Casino Sports Ground. The game is scheduled for 15:00.
WHO IS THE INELIGIBLE PLAYER FROM THAMES FC
Thames have been embroiled in controversy regarding the eligibility of their player, Isa Mangera, who joined the club having not signed the medical form as per the league’s rules and regulations
According to FARPost sources, Thames allegedly submitted an incorrect medical form to the league, which means the player is a default.
The player in question, Mangera, has participated in approximately 18 matches for Thames this season. If found guilty, Thames will be penalised with point deductions for all the games in which he played.
Consequently, Lions will advance to the SA third-tier national playoffs next month in their pursuit of promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
This publication can further reveal that there are two players known by this website, who are also improperly registered by Thames.
One player appears active for La Masia on the FIFA TMS [transfermarkt], but registered by Thames, meaning a player cannot be active for two clubs at the same time.
Meanwhile, the second player does not appear, but is currently playing for Thames on the FIFA TMS.
The DC date is scheduled for Saturday, 24 May 2025. The SAFA North West will be hoping to conclude this case on time, as the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs are fast approaching.
The national promotional playoffs draw is reportedly scheduled to take place on 2 June 2025 at the SAFA House.
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