Betway Premiership promotion drama intensifies as CT Spurs head to high court
- Martin T
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Cape Town Spurs have taken their ongoing protest against Durban City FC to the High Court, challenging the dismissals of their case by both the PSL's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) and a subsequent SAFA arbitrator.
The core of the dispute revolves around the eligibility of Durban City's player, Sazi Magawana. The Urban Warriors initially lodged a protest on the final day of the Motsepe Foundation Championship season when the two teams met at Athlone Stadium.
CT Spurs allege that Durban City fielded Magawana, who featured in 28 matches this past season, without a valid clearance from his former club, Marumo Gallants.
This protracted legal saga has already led the PSL to delay Durban City's promotion and the official trophy presentation for the Motsepe Foundation Championship, despite City finishing atop the log with 58 points. Cape Town Spurs, meanwhile, concluded the season at the bottom in 15th place with 30 points, facing relegation from the second tier.
Spurs' initial bid was dismissed by the PSL's DRC, overseen by Raymond Hack. This ruling, included a clearance certificate signed by Marumo Gallants chairman Sello Abram, dated May 30, 2024, and dismissed Spurs' appeal with costs. Following this setback, the Cape side escalated the matter to SAFA arbitration.
The SAFA arbitration process experienced delays, with several arbitrators recusing themselves from the case. Ultimately, Hilton Epstein SC ruled in favour of Durban City and Sazi Magawana.
Unrelenting, Cape Town Spurs have now filed an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court, seeking to overturn arbitrator Epstein SC's decision. This critical appeal is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
If successful, the High Court application could significantly alter the final league standings in the second-tier, with direct implications for both promotion to the DStv Premiership and relegation within the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
