R124 000 payout for Chiefs, Sundowns, Pirates trio

A trio from Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates players are among 11 players set to receive a R124 000 payout, courtesy of a PSL DRC order.

The PSL’s DRC has dealt a significant blow to Marumo Gallants, ordering the club to pay its former players nearly US$7 031.25 [R124,000] each in unpaid bonuses and prize money stemming from their successful 2022 CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Chiefs’ Ranga Chivaviro, Lesiba Nku of Sundowns and Bucs’ Katlego Otladisa are among 11 players who won their case against their former club.

Indications are that the club indisputably received $ 750,000 [R13.1 million] for reaching the competition’s semi-finals. The club reportedly agreed to pay the squad 30% of the net prize money.

Based on that, the players are entitled to US$ 7,031.25 each, being their bonus and due share of the prize money. The other players who also get the windfall are Lucky Mohomi, Mahlatse Makudubela, Letsie Koapeng, Thato Khiba, and Mpho Mvelase. The list includes Ayanda Nkili, Celimpilo Ngema and Tshepo Gumede.

The dispute between Marumo Gallants and its former players is far from over. In addition to the DRC award, five other cases are currently being heard by SAFA Arbitration.

The Football Union of South Africa [FUSA] secretary-general Taelo Motloung said the award was a testament to their dedication to fighting for players’ rights. “This victory is a testament to FUSA’s dedication to fighting for players’ rights. We will continue to advocate for fair treatment and justice in South African football,” Motloung told FARPost.

Gallants, who were relegated after their fairytale run, made history by reaching the Confederation Cup semi-finals. They were eliminated by Tanzanian giants Young Africans following a 4-1 aggregate defeat.

They recently bounced back to the top flight after a season in the second tier. Gallants bought Moroka Swallows’ status and immediately moved base to Bloemfontein.

Meanwhile, the latest victory means FUSA has hit the ground running in intervening in disputes on behalf of footballers.

FUSA aims to be a powerful voice for footballers in South Africa. They advocate for their rights and interests in negotiations with clubs, leagues and governing bodies. They recently met with the PSL and SAFA to forge relations with the two bodies.

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