Judgment reserved in Ajax bid to prevent play-offs

JUDGMENT has been reserved in the Johannesburg High Court where Ajax Cape Town are seeking an urgent interdict to prevent the promotion play-offs from taking place.

By 3pm, though, the court was still in session and the Platinum Stars and Black Leopards match kicked off, as scheduled, the first in the mini-league to determine who will play in the PSL next season.

Judge Raylene Keightley will study all the admissions by the various parties and a ruling on the case is expected by tomorrow.

While Black Leopards (NFD) defeated Platinum Stars (PSL) 1-0 in the Premier Soccer League promotion/relegation play-off opener at the Thohoyandou Stadium yesterday, there is the possibility that the rest of the games could be interdicted, depending on the judgment.

Ajax lost the Tendai Ndoro case in the second arbitration hearing with regard to the eligibility of the Zimbabwean striker.

The arbitrator, William Mokhari SC, found the Cape club guilty and, as a result, they forfeited matches against Platinum Stars, Polokwane City and SuperSport United.

The arbitrator ruled on Tuesday that they lose all three matches 3-0 and fined them R50 000 for each offence. This led to Ajax being docked nine points, finishing last on the PSL standings and subsequently being relegated from the Absa Premier Soccer League. Their spot was taken by Platinum Stars.