Ndoro: Khoza says no change in PSL kick-off
Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
The matter involving Tendai Ndoro, Ajax Cape Town and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is far from over with just a couple of weeks to the start of the new season. PSL chairman Irvin Khoza, however, says the PSL will appeal judge Denise Fisher’s decision to effectively reinstate Ajax back into the Absa Premiership and he is adamant that whatever happens, the league season will begin on August 4.
Khoza added that even if the PSL are unsuccessful in their appeal, they will then go to Fifa’s Player Status Committee (PSC), who Fisher ruled were the only body able to decide on Ndoro’s playing status.
Ajax were found guilty in May by Advocate William Mokhari after playing Ndoro last season, with the striker having already played for Orlando Pirates and Saudi Arabia’s Al Faisaly before joining Ajax in January. According to Fifa rules, a player can only play for two teams in one season.
Ajax were docked points from games against Polokwane City, Platinum Stars and SuperSport United, and as a result slipped from 15th in the Premiership to 16th, which means automatic relegation.
Judge Fisher set aside Mokhari’s decision, partly on the basis that only the Fifa PSC could rule on Ndoro’s status.
Speaking at the Sandton Convention Centre following a PSL Board of Governors (BOG) meeting yesterday, Khoza stated that it was agreed that the league would go ahead as planned.
“We had a meeting with all the 32 members present. The main matter on the agenda was the Ajax and Ndoro matter and to give a report to the BOG,” said Khoza.
“I remember last time we said we were going to appeal. But before giving reasons why we would appeal, the board of governors wanted to know what will happen with the season. We arrived at a unanimous decision that whatever happens, the games will start on August 3/4.
“We are still appealing the decision made by Judge Fisher to set aside Advocate Mokhari’s decision,” he added.
Furthermore, the PSL chairman said the association’s lawyers were busy trying to organise a sitting with Judge Fisher as soon as possible, as he would like to see the matter resolved before the start of the new season.
Flop has been an appropriate word for Brazilian talisman Neymar at this World Cup, as his goals and general contribution have been overshadowed by a tendency to fall theatrically to the turf on too many occasions. Against Belgium in the quarterfinals last Friday, one dramatic fall to the floor in the penalty area did not convince Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha to point to the spot. By then, Belgium were already leading 2-0 and even though Brazil pulled a goal back, Neymar was left frustrated at the death, as his superb curling effort was equally superbly kept out by Thibault Courtois in the Belgian goal. There could be little sympathy for the Brazilian, whose play-acting was a sleight on the tournament.