Just when the dust seemed to have settled on the 2024/2025 PSL season, a registration controversy is threatening to turn things upside down.
At the center of the drama is Marumo Gallants midfielder Monde Mphambaniso—and what looks like a serious paperwork oversight that could cost the club dearly.
Cape Town City Call Out Gallants Over Player Clearance
Cape Town City has formally accused Marumo Gallants of breaking league rules by fielding Mphambaniso without obtaining proper clearance from his former team.
The player was previously linked to Gallants’ old Motsepe Foundation Championship squad before it was sold and renamed Leruma United.
The issue? Cape Town City claims Gallants never submitted the required clearance certificate when Mphambaniso moved to the top-tier side. According to league rules, that’s a big no-no.
The Rule That’s Causing All the Trouble
The heart of the complaint lies in NSL Rule 31.8.9.3.
This rule clearly states that when a player has already been registered as a professional, any club signing them must file a clearance certificate with the league.
And in this case, Gallants reportedly didn’t do that.
A recent arbitration ruling backed Cape Town City’s argument, putting the matter in the hands of the PSL’s disciplinary committee.
That committee is now investigating the situation—and the consequences could be game-changing.
Gallants’ Mid-Table Finish Could Be Undone
Marumo Gallants had what looked like a solid return to the top flight after buying Moroka Swallows’ Premiership status in July 2024.
They wrapped up the season in 10th place with 32 points—winning 8 matches, drawing 8, and losing 12.
Mphambaniso, the player at the center of this storm, played in 26 of those games.
But if the PSL decides to deduct points from any match Mphambaniso featured in, Gallants could drop dangerously in the standings.
Depending on how many points are docked, they might even fall into the relegation zone.
Cape Town City’s Hail Mary to Stay in the PSL
Cape Town City were relegated after failing to make it through the Promotional/Relegation Playoffs—where Orbit College came out on top.
But this dispute with Gallants might be their last chance to stay in the Premiership.
If the league rules in their favour, City could be reinstated in the top flight—either through a reshuffled playoff or by replacing Gallants directly.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on the PSL’s disciplinary committee.
The new season is just around the corner, and a verdict needs to come soon.
If Gallants are found guilty, they could be forced into a last-minute playoff or face automatic relegation.
For Cape Town City, this legal battle is their final shot at redemption.
For Gallants, it’s a potential nightmare after a season that had promised stability.
