Moroka Swallows, a South African football club, has taken the decision to terminate the contracts of 22 players following a pay dispute in December. The club’s lawyer, Leruma Thobejane, confirmed this information during an interview with Robert Marawa on Radio 94.7.
According to Thobejane, the players were charged and appeared before the Disciplinary Committee of Swallows, where some were found guilty.
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Three groups of players were represented by different legal entities, including the South African Football Players Union. All players represented by the union were found guilty and subsequently dismissed. The verdict for players represented by two private entities is still pending.
As a result of the December pay dispute, Moroka Swallows were unable to honor their fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
The Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee fined the club R1 million, with R600,000 of that amount suspended for 24 months. Additionally, Swallows received 3-0 losses for the two games they did not participate in.
The list of dismissed players includes Daniel Akpeyi, Bongani Sam, Sipho Sibiya, Lantshane Phalane, Wandisile Letlabika, Siyabonga Khumalo, and Kwanda Mngonyama. It remains uncertain whether the players will appeal the decision or negotiate new contracts with the club.
The dismissal of 22 players poses a significant challenge for Swallows coach Steve Komphela as he prepares for the upcoming season, set to resume in February. The club may need to recruit new players to rebuild the squad.
It will be interesting to see how Moroka Swallows navigate this situation and whether they can maintain their competitiveness in the league.
