Ajax Cape Town is taking a keen interest in the Premier Soccer league’s appeal against the decision of its own Disciplinary Committee to only fine Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).
The Limpopo based National First Division (NFD) were charged for failing to field two U23 players in league encounter against TS Sporting which they won 3-0 on last week, and subsequently fined R 30 000 (50% suspended for 12 months) after being found guilty.
The PSL confirmed on Tuesday that they will be appealing the decision, commenting on the urgency of the matter due to the fact that there is now just one league game left to play in the NFD this coming weekend.
SABC Sport asked Efstathiou why do they want these games to be postponed until the outcome ? Speaking at the club’s base at Ikamva in Cape Town on Tuesday, Ajax CEO Ari Efstathiou shares their interest in this case.
Ajax and TTM are currently tied on 48 points with only one game to go in the NFD and both teams are fighting for the play-off spot where one team is likely to join Royal Eagles and the team that would finish 15th in the PSL.
TTM have a goal advantage in the goal difference but should the Arbitration ruling go PSL’s way, they could be docked three points and set-back by three goals too.
The third placed Ajax is away to Mbombela on Sunday and TTM hosts Richards Bay in Thohoyandou. Efstathiou says they would appreciate if the ruling comes out before these games.
The Urban Warriors are campaigning in the NFD today after they were docked points by the Arbitrator Adv. William Mokhari for having fielded an ineligible player (Tendai Ndoro) last year and were relegated to the NFD. Efstathiou now knows the importance of the rules.
The PSL is a complainant in this case of TTM and is hoping that the outcome of its DC could be overturned. PSL communications and media head Luxolo September has more on why they are challenging this outcome. – Report by Velile Mnyandu
