The Mkhondo Local Football Association DC took an unprecedented decision in a knockout competition dispute on Saturday evening of 25 March 2023. The football governing body through its disciplinary committee disqualified Amapansula FC and Khumalo Stars FC from the PG Bison Knockout Cup. The clubs were disqualified for using double registered players without clearances.
The teams had lodged protests against each other in the 3rd quarter final match which ended 3-2 to Khumalo Stars. Amapansula were the first team to protest at the beginning of the match. They alleged that Zola Ngwenya had appeared for Big Five FC in the Simakade Promotion League. The player did not play in the match but appeared on the substitute’s bench list for Khumalo Stars team sheet. At half time with the score at 2-0 in favour of Khumalo Stars another protest was lodged, this time it was Khumalo Stars protesting about Phumlani Khanyile who appeared for Amapansula. They alleged that Khanyile was registered with Comet Riders FC in the Thandukukhanya Promotion League, which turned out to be true.
The Disciplinary Committee ruled that both teams be disqualified after it was found that both players were indeed double registered.
The protest actions put a blemish to what would have been a great entertaining match. Khumalo Stars won 3-2 on the field of play but had to face the Disciplinary Committee inside the boardroom. The two teams produced entertaining football filled with 5 goals but the game was decided in the boardroom. It is in the boardroom that an unprecedented decision was taken by the Mkhondo LFA DC. The Disciplinary Committee ruled that both teams be disqualified after it was found that both players were indeed double registered.
Amabhubesi FC get to roar again. They lost on penalties in the 1st quarter final but back as replacement after disqualification of the two teams. The Mkhondo LFA DC ruled that Amabhubesi FC will go through as the best losers compared to the other quarter finalists. Kunene FC (lost 1-3 v Total Football United FC), Arsenal Eagles FC (lost 1-2 v Man FC). Amabhubesi lost 5-4 on penalties after playing a 1 all draw against Al Ahly FC. Just like that, they live again.
Day 2 will open with defending champions Total Football United FC facing Al Ahly FC from the newly formed Commondale Promotion League. Amabhubesi will get a chance to roar once again when they face Sulphur Springs Promotion League side Man FC in the 2nd semi-final. The games begin at 8am on Sunday 26 March 2023 at the Kempville Stadium, Mkhondo. A big trophy awaits the champions. Finalists will play using brand new attire in the final.
The winner will get a big trophy, gold medals and R15 000 cash prize money. The runners up to receive R10 000 and R5000 to be shared between the semi-finalists. LFA (Local) football will never be the same again if sponsors like PG Bison continue to do business.