Zizwe United have won their arbitration against SAFA Western Cape concerning alleged discrepancies in match official selection for last month’s ABC Motsepe League provincial final against Hanover Park FC.
The formal complaint from Zizwe came after Hanover Park were crowned provincial overall winners on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This occurred after Hanover Park secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in regulation time against Zizwe at Cloetesville Sports Ground in Stellenbosch.
Zizwe had stated that the referees appointed for their provincial playoffs tie against Hanover were selected by Abdul Ebrahim [SAFA head of referees], who was not authorised.
According to Zizwe, Luvuyo Phuphuma is the only person designated to appoint referees, as he is the official SAFA Western Cape referee coordinator.
As a result, the playoff match between Zizwe and Hanover Park played on Saturday, 17 May 2025, is annulled.
THE ARBITRATION FAVOURS ZIZWE UNITED
The arbitration ruling favoured Zizwe, granting them a replay against Hanover Park to determine the SAFA Western Cape ABC Motsepe League champion and representative at the national playoffs.
The match is set to be replayed within a period of seven days of the date of the ruling.
And the match officials for the playoffs showdown will be appointed by Luvuyo Pupuma, as per the arbitration ruling. In the event that he fails to do so, the referees will be appointed by the SAFA National Referees Committee.
Furthermore, the SAFA Western Cape will cover 50% of the expenses incurred by Zizwe during the arbitration, in addition to 50% of the Arbitrator’s fees and all associated disbursements.
Meanwhile, the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs are set to commence on Monday, June 30, and will conclude on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
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