CAPE HOPE

RELEGATED Cape Town City look set to win the battle to remain in the Premiership after they won their Safa arbitration case against Marumo Gallants.

City accused Gallants of fielding an incorrectly registered Monde Mphambaniso last season. Mphambaniso featured in 20 games for Gallants and started 11 of them.

According to Soccer Laduma, the Safa arbitration tribunal has ruled that the PSL Disciplinary Committee must now open an official investigation into the matter. Should the PSL DC rule in City’s favour, Gallants face being hit with a massive points deduction, which could see the club relegated.

A source was quoted by Soccer Laduma: “If they lose, Gallants will get relegated as points will be deducted from all the matches where the player was involved, and Kaizer Chiefs will qualify for the top eight after initially missing out.”

This could also open up the possibility of City remaining in the top flight without having to purchase the status of another club.

Earlier this month, City chairperson John Comitis hinted at buying another club’s status in order to stay in the Premiership.

The Citizens, who started last season harbouring hopes of a title challenge, were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, with Orbit College gaining promotion.

Comitis said at the time when speaking to Robert Marawa on Marawa Sports Worldwide: “Well, that’s always an option because the PSL has allowed an entry and a window of opportunity for clubs to do that.

“At the end of the day, for me, it’s about providing a service for football players that can get them to the highest level. I’ve been doing it for 27 years, and it’s important that we have the right platform to be able to do that.”

Now, it looks like another avenue has opened up for City to remain in the Premiership.