Cape Town City’s Appeal Shakes Up PSL: Chiefs Eye Surprise MTN8 Spot After Gallants Drama
- Cape Town City won their appeal against Marumo Gallants over an ineligible player, a decision that could overturn their relegatio.n
- Kaizer Chiefs were unexpectedly thrown into MTN8 contention as the ruling may alter the final league standings
- Briefly News spoke exclusively to analyst Mandla Biyela, who warned the PSL faces a credibility crisis if the issue isn’t resolved quickly
Cape Town City may have just pulled off one of the biggest legal coups in recent PSL history, and football analyst Mandla Biyela says the shockwaves could ripple to Naturena.
Source: Twitter
In an exclusive chat with Briefly News, Biyela unpacked how City’s successful appeal against Marumo Gallants has not only thrown the start of the 2025/26 season into doubt but could also see Kaizer Chiefs sneak into the MTN8 through the back door.
“This isn’t a technicality. If Gallants lose points, the whole league table changes, teams move, emotions shift, and so do millions in prize money,” Biyela explained.
Cape Town City were relegated after finishing 15th and failing to win the playoffs. But they challenged Gallants’ use of Monde Mphambaniso, alleging the midfielder was improperly registered after a club name change in the NFD. SAFA’s arbitrator ruled in their favour.
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“It’s embarrassing that a player featured in 26 matches and no red flags were raised earlier. It shows major gaps in oversight," Biyela said.
What would happen if Gallant's points are docked?
If Gallants are docked points, City would climb to 14th, saving themselves from the drop. That would push Chiefs, who ended ninth last season, into eighth, qualifying for the MTN8.
“For Chiefs, it’s a miracle. They didn’t earn it, but they’ll take it. For Nabi, it’s a pressure-easing gift before his first game.”
City chairman John Comitis refused to comment, while Gallants said they had not been formally contacted.
“The PSL’s silence is deafening. You can’t have a new season clouded in legal drama. Sponsors, fans, everyone wants clarity,"Biyela explained.
Biyela warned the PSL must act fast or risk delaying the league kickoff.
“Gallants will likely appeal. If this drags, the credibility of the league takes a hit,” he said.
Source: Twitter
What next for the PSL DC?
The final call now lies with the PSL Disciplinary Committee. But one thing is clear: a single paperwork error could reshape the entire 2025/26 campaign.
“This isn’t just about who plays where. It’s about trust in the system. And right now, that trust is shaky," Biyela concluded.
A legal expert Kabelo Mashigo explained that Marumo Gallants failed to properly register player Monde Mphambaniso after the club’s status changes, violating PSL rules. Since Mphambaniso was not cleared from Leruma United nor re-registered correctly with the new Marumo Gallants, he was ineligible to play.
This serious administrative error means Gallants risk forfeiting all matches he played in, around 25 games, with each resulting in a 3-0 loss and a fine of at least R100,000. This could lead to massive point deductions and fines, potentially costing the club up to 75 points and over R2.5 million in penalties.
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Source: Briefly News
