Boardroom battles loom with those of the Premier’s Cup this weekend

AS PRE-SEASON preparations peak with the KwaZuluNatal Premier’s Cup in Richards Bay this weekend, so too do the boardroom battles involving some of the local clubs.

Royal Eagles are at the forefront of disputes with former staff members, and AmaZulu are awaiting the intervention of world governing body Fifa over the signing of a player.

The disputes are expected to simmer a while, well after the friendly tournament up the coast this weekend, which involves all six local professional sides.

Eagles, who kick off the action tomorrow morning against First Division newcomers Real Kings, have cases of unfair dismissal lodged against them by their former captain Dominic Isaacs, former coach Khabo Zondo and former administrator Costa Bellos.

Former Kaizer Chiefs star defender Isaacs claims he still had a season left to run on his contract when he was released by Eagles at the end of last season. His case at the PSL is set for a conciliation meeting, failing which it could go for arbitration.

Bellos will have a second hearing before the league’s Dispute Resolution Chamber next week, and former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Zondo’s matter will be heard next month. By that time Eagles will hope to be crowned Premier’s Cup champions.

The four First Division sides, including home outfit Thanda Royal Zulu, play off against each other tomorrow to qualify for Sunday’s semifinals against the Premiership guns Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United.

The Eagles-Kings affair will be followed by the match between AmaZulu and Thanda tomorrow afternoon.

AmaZulu are positive they will win their battle to have DR Congo striker Kule Mbombo released from AS Vita Club. Usuthu claim the player belongs to Racing Club Kinshasa, a lower division DR Congo side they did the transfer with.

It is unlikely that the speedy and muscular forward will arrive in time for this weekend’s tournament.