SAFA Throws Out Spurs And Stars’ Case Against Durban City

Durban City’s promotion has reached its conclusion after the club confirmed that the SAFA arbitration case against them, brought by JDR Stars and Cape Town Spurs, has been dismissed with costs.

These two clubs had contested the eligibility of Sazizo Magawana of City, who was signed from Marumo Gallants at the start of the season. They argued that Magawana’s signing was not legitimate, questioning how his clearance was issued given that Gallants had purchased the Premier Division status of Moroka Swallows.

When City won their last game to claim the Motsepe Foundation Championship title and secure Betway Premiership promotion, they were not awarded a league trophy. This was due to both clubs lodging protests against City regarding Magawana’s eligibility. Initially, the case was dismissed with costs in the PSL DRC.

As a last resort, JDR Stars and Cape Town Spurs took their case to SAFA arbitration, where it has also been thrown out.

“The arbitration case against us by JDR Stars and Cape Town Spurs has been dismissed with costs,” City stated in an official announcement. “We’re officially the champions of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and next season, we play in the Premier Division. This moment is for our city.”

As this was the final legal avenue in South Africa for JDR Stars and Spurs, the Durban club, which was rebranded from Maritzburg United at the start of the season, will now await the official handover of the Motsepe Foundation Championship trophy.

This ruling means that Cape Town Spurs, who were hoping for a different outcome, are now officially relegated to the ABC Motsepe Regional League. The PSL Relegation and Promotion Playoffs will now proceed, involving Cape Town Spurs, Orbit College, and Casric Stars.