Sinenkani FC has emerged victorious in its legal dispute against the South African Football Association (SAFA), following a High Court ruling on 30 June 2025 that sided with the club on every aspect of its application.
In a judgment handed down by Judge Malusi, the East London court declared two crucial matches affecting Sinenkani FC’s participation in the ABC Motsepe League irregular and unlawful. The first was the decider match played at Rhodes University on 2 June 2025, which was declared void. The second match, played on 25 January 2025 at Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium, was ruled to have violated Rule 30.1 of SAFA’s Competitions Uniform Rules and was also declared irregular, void, and unlawful.
Furthermore, any points accumulated from the 25 January match were forfeited, and no points will be awarded to any team, in line with Rule 19.11.8.
In a significant financial blow to the respondents, Judge Malusi ordered the first, second, and fifth respondents—including SAFA—to pay all legal costs related to the application.
Sinenkani FC expressed gratitude to its supporters, stating:
“We wish to thank all Supporters and everyone who stood by us in belief that rules must be followed and that justice must be upheld at all times in football.”
The club is now awaiting formal instructions from SAFA on the next steps regarding the National Playoffs, which were previously put on hold due to the legal disputes.
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