The Eastern Cape’s ABC Motsepe League promotion battle has taken another dramatic turn after the High Court dismissed an urgent application brought by Sinenkani FC.
In case number 3011/2025, Sinengkani FC had sought relief to challenge recent playoff proceedings. However, the court dismissed the application in its entirety, ordering the club to pay the legal costs of the opposing parties, including those of two senior counsels.
The judgment delivered by Justice Malusi also found the South African Football Association (SAFA), the ABC Motsepe League Eastern Cape Province, and the SAFA Competitions Committee to be in contempt of court. This was specifically in relation to playoff fixtures played on 6 July 2025, despite an earlier order issued on 5 July.
The case has placed several clubs under the spotlight, including AmaVarara FC, Ravens FC, Thames FC, Midlands Wanderers FC, and Bees FC, all of whom were cited in the proceedings.
In a separate matter (case number 3013/2025), Ravens FC is challenging both SAFA and the ABC Motsepe League Eastern Cape over their handling of the playoffs, further deepening uncertainty around who will officially represent the province at national level.
The disputes have left fans and stakeholders frustrated, with many calling for SAFA to urgently resolve the promotion saga to protect the integrity of the league.
For now, the future of Eastern Cape football’s promotion playoffs hangs in the balance — with the possibility of more courtroom battles looming before a final decision is made.
