Status: ball in the PSL court
OFFICIAL: COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MATTER
National First Division (NFD) side AmaZulu’s back-door return to the Absa Premiership now lies at the hands of the Premier Soccer League’s executive committee, as they have submitted documents to the League.
Usuthu are looking to purchase newly promoted Thanda Royal Zulu’s Premiership status. Phakaaathi understands that the clubs have reached an agreement, with all issues between them now settled, as the PSL’s communications officer Luxolo September confirmed to the paper that they have received documents from Amabhubesi.
“The clubs have approached the league, but that is all I can say at this stage,” he said.
What obviously follows now is that the League must decide on whether to approve or reject the deal.
“At the moment as the league we will not say anything regarding that particular sale until the PSL executive committee meets to discuss the matter and subsequently make a decision on this issue,” September explained.
Last season, the governing body rejected a similar move by Moroka Swallows, who attempted to purchase the top-flight status of Free State Stars. John Comitis, however was allowed to buy the MP Black Aces franchise and turn it into Cape Town City.
September would not be drawn on whether that particular precedent will be followed, as there could be different merits to the different cases.
“The stage that we are at this moment is that the member club (Thanda) must apply to the League and must submit documents to the executive committee – which they have done. The executive committee will then look into the matter and deliberate it. After deliberations, they then go back to inform the member club about what has been decided,” September said.
Asked on when a decision should be expected, September simply responded: “The executive meets every last week of the month.
“Ideally it would have to be before the start of the upcoming season, but we don’t have timeline provisions regarding the sale of club statuses.”
Both Thanda chairman Pierre Delvaux and Usuthu general manager Lunga Sokhela were unavailable for comment.