Teenage winger Athini Maqokolo’s future could soon be the subject of a legal dispute between KZN clubs over an impending transfer to AmaZulu FC without his parent club JDR Stars’ consent.
Maqokolo, who was loaned by JDR to FC Ravens, recently attracted attention during the Khabba Cup. The Flagstaff-born star’s impressive performance caught the eye of AmaZulu FC, leading to an unapproved medical examination and discussions to finalise a transfer.
However, complications arose as JDR Stars had already sold Maqokolo to Richards Bay FC before the transfer negotiations with AmaZulu were completed. The 20-year-old signed a two-year deal with an option of another year, which the Motsepe Foundation Championship side exercised in April.
Richards Bay FC was awaiting the end of his loan spell at Ravens to activate their transfer, making the situation legally complex.
Sources told FARPost that Maqokolo’s impending move to AmaZulu was made without JDR Stars’ approval, despite the player having an option exercised by his original club. The ongoing dispute could spark a conflict between the two KwaZulu-Natal clubs, with legal and contractual questions now central to the case.
WHAT THE NSL HANDBOOK SAYS ABOUT ATHINI MAQOKOLO’S TRANSFER
According to the NSL Handbook [41.14], “Except in the case of a Player on loan, a Player may not be contracted to two Member Clubs or a Member Club and a Club simultaneously.”
In the event of a player entering into more than one contract of employment covering the same period of time, “The matter will be referred to the Dispute Resolution Chamber. The player will be charged with misconduct by the league.”
According to a sports lawyer who spoke to FARPost, the player may face a minimum ban of at least two years. “The player risks facing a two-year suspension if he is found to have signed for two clubs covering the same period. In this case, JDR Stars need to tell the player to report to Richards Bay.”
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