The Motsepe Foundation Championship is reaching its climax, with the final round of fixtures scheduled for this coming weekend, but legal battles might stifle any celebration this weekend.
Unlike last season, when Championship winners Magesi FC secured promotion to the top flight with a few games to spare, the race to the top this campaign has taken several dramatic turns.
Durban City’s thrilling 3–2 win over play-off hopefuls Black Leopards has all but confirmed their long-awaited return to the Betway Premiership — their first since relegation under the banner of Maritzburg United. Their final match of the season carries added significance — not only for them, but also for their opponents, Cape Town Spurs, who are staring at relegation for a second consecutive season.
However, just as celebrations began to stir in KwaZulu-Natal, controversy has come knocking. It has come to light that Durban City may be in hot water over allegations of fielding an incorrectly registered player during the season.
The timing could not be worse, and if proven true, it could carry serious consequences — not just for City, but for the overall makeup of the final MFC standings.
On Thursday, the PSL released a statement confirming an ongoing investigation, which has led to a delay in the championship trophy handover. City currently sit at the top of the log, three points ahead of Orbit College (52), but the final verdict now hangs in the balance.
“It has been the practice of the National Soccer League (NSL) over the past few years to hand the Motsepe Foundation Championship trophy to the team at the top of the division standings after the last match of the season.
“Unfortunately, certain matters referred by member clubs in the division to the prosecutor and/or disciplinary bodies have not yet been finalised. It is not clear to the NSL how, and to what extent, these matters may impact the final standings in the division.
“The League has decided to delay the cup handover while these matters are being addressed by the appropriate decision-makers.
“The NSL will use its best endeavours, to the extent permissible under the NSL Handbook, to ensure these matters are finalised as expeditiously as possible and will keep Member Clubs informed,” the statement ended.
Should the allegations prove true, it could dramatically alter not only the future of the KZN club but also the dynamics of the chasing pack, with the outcome potentially tipping the scales in their favour.
Orbit College have already secured their place in the PSL promotion play-offs, leaving Casric Stars (45 points), Black Leopards (44), and Kruger United (44) in a tense race for the second and final play-off spot. Milford FC (43) still have an outside chance from sixth place, making the final round of fixtures potential knockouts.
In the fight for relegation, Spurs (30 points) are paying the price for a string of costly draws in their last five matches. They now face a tall order, needing to beat a consistent Durban City side while relying solely on favourable results elsewhere to keep their survival hopes alive.
Venda FC find themselves in a similar position, also sitting on 30 points with just one match remaining. With the two sides neck-and-neck, it could all come down to fine margins — including goal difference — to determine who stays up.
