Tensions are boiling over in the ABC Motsepe League after the South African Football Association (SAFA) officially excluded Eastern Cape and Limpopo teams from the 2025 National Playoffs, citing unresolved legal disputes. The move has sparked outrage from Eastern Cape champions Sinenkani FC, who have now launched legal action to challenge the decision.
A letter issued on 1 July 2025 by SAFA Acting CEO Adv. Tebogo Motlanthe confirmed that the National Playoffs will proceed with only seven provincial teams, excluding Limpopo and Eastern Cape. The decision was made “to protect the integrity of the competition and the names of both the Association and the sponsors,” given that the disputes involving the two provinces were not expected to be resolved before the end of the playoffs.
Sinenkani FC Disputes SAFA’s Decision
Reacting swiftly, Sinenkani FC took to Facebook to slam the exclusion, claiming ignorance of any unresolved legal matter. “The matter was finalized yesterday by Judge Malusi of the East London High Court,” the club posted. “We are awaiting the fixture for us to play.”
The club emphasized that it has instructed its legal team to urgently challenge SAFA’s letter and vowed to keep the public informed. “We will keep the stubborn nation informed of any further developments,” the club concluded in its statement.
Fans Question League’s Integrity
The sentiment reflects growing concerns about governance and transparency within lower-division football in South Africa. Many argue that the credibility of the competition is at risk if teams are excluded without clear communication or recourse.
What the SAFA Letter Said
SAFA’s official communication laid out the decision clearly:
- The playoffs would proceed with the current seven registered teams.
- Group stages would consist of three groups — one with three teams and two with two teams.
- The best runner-up would be determined by the first group matches played.
The letter was addressed to both the Limpopo and Eastern Cape provincial executive officers and copied to the SAFA National Competitions Committee.
Legal Showdown Looms
The exclusion has triggered a potential legal showdown between Sinenkani FC and the national body, raising questions about the handling of disputes and the consistency of SAFA’s application of its own rules.
As the National Playoffs proceed without two provinces, the football fraternity now watches closely to see whether legal intervention could still allow Eastern Cape’s rightful representatives to compete.
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