Former AmaZulu FC general manager Lunga Sokhela has explained why the ‘big three’ SA clubs—Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns—tend to avoid the FIFA transfer bans that plague many of their PSL counterparts.
Sokhela was speaking to FARPost after a recent FIFA transfer ban was handed to Golden Arrows. He used the KZN club’s predicament to expose a complex conflict between SA labour law and stringent FIFA regulations.
While Sokhela praised KZN clubs for their overall administrative and commercial improvements, he argued that the recurring issue of FIFA sanctions against PSL teams ultimately comes down to a clash of legal jurisdictions and financial fragility.
Arrows were hit with a three-window transfer ban in October after failing to issue a financial settlement to veteran Zimbabwean striker Knox Mutizwa. Arrows terminated an active contract with Mutizwa.
THE MUTIZWA FALLOUT
The Zimbabwean had enjoyed an eight-year stint at Arrows, having scored 63 goals, making him the club’s all-time top goalscorer. Additionally, he also provided 23 assists across 231 matches.
The ban abruptly interrupted a period of positive momentum for Arrows, who were just beginning to build steam under coach Manqoba Mngqithi and were lauded for their improved off-field innovations, including stronger social media presence and better fan engagement.
Despite the major setback, Sokhela praised Arrows and their KZN counterparts for their overall trajectory in management. He particularly applauded their marketing and communications departments.
“Look, in terms of the broader running of the teams, to be honest, I have been impressed,” Sokhela told FARPost, highlighting marked improvement in development structures, marketing, and communications. “They seem to be doing something right. We see now that all of them have got sponsors.”
THE CORE PROBLEM: FIFA VS SA LAW
Arrows is not alone in facing FIFA’s wrath. Fellow PSL clubs like TS Galaxy, Richards Bay FC, Royal AM, and Chippa United have all been subject to similar transfer bans in recent years, mostly for failing to settle contractual disputes within the 30-day window stipulated by FIFA Article 12.
Sokhela, who served as AmaZulu general manager until 2020 and managed disputes firsthand, believes this pattern reflects a systemic issue beyond simple club incompetence. He contends that FIFA often overrides South African labour relations laws, which typically allow for more lenient payment plans.
“There have always been question marks around some of FIFA’s policies, and especially when it comes to the registration and contractual obligation of foreign players,” Sokhela reflected.
He stressed that once a player comes to ply their trade locally, South African law should take precedence.
“Now, at times in the application of South Africa’s Labour Relations Law, which can be in conflict with FIFA, FIFA can just override what’s there. Now, until that issue is sorted out, I think clubs are continuously going to have problems.”
THE FINANCIAL IMMUNITY OF THE ‘BIG THREE’
Sokhela noted that the issue of transfer bans is relatively uncommon among the ‘big three’ clubs—Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns [though Chiefs faced a ban in 2020 for a different violation concerning player registration].
He declared that this distinction is primarily due to financial power, not superior administration. The ‘big three’ command massive revenues and sponsorships, allowing them to easily pay out exorbitant settlements to departing players.
“Other clubs that do not command as much revenue may struggle to do that,” Sokhela explained. “What’s obvious is that some of the clubs, especially the ones you find in Gauteng, receive far bigger sponsorships.”
Sokhela concluded by firmly stating the bans are not a reflection of administrative failure, but rather a symptom of financial disparity and legal friction.
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