Humphrey Mlwane challenges ‘biased’ ruling in wage dispute with The Bees

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Humphrey Mlwane is considering further legal action after an independent arbitrator overturned the decision in his contractual dispute with The Bees, the club he coached in the PSL last season.

Mlwane, who helped The Bees secure promotion from the ABC Motsepe League to the second tier of South African football, was dismissed 12 games into the new season. He is contesting the club’s decision and seeking payment for the remaining seven months on his contract when he was sacked.

The former midfielder initially won the case in April through the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber. However, that ruling has since been overturned after The Bees took the matter to an independent arbitrator.

Mlwane says he has discussed the latest verdict with his lawyer and that they are now considering their next step.

“I have spoken to my lawyer, and we are still weighing our options regarding the way forward,” says Mlwane, speaking to KickOff.

The decision has left Mlwane dissatisfied, with the former Kaizer Chiefs player questioning the reasoning used to overturn the earlier ruling.

“So many things are said in this verdict, and very soon we will issue a way forward. The independent arbitrator whom the club took the matter to says there was no verbal evidence. He claims the documents we submitted did not provide enough evidence.

“They wanted me to be there in person. But the contract was available. They had it,” he shared.

The dispute centres on the terms of Mlwane’s agreement with The Bees and the period that remained when his employment was terminated. He said the contract covered one season and that he had seven months left when the club ended his appointment in November.

Mlwane maintains that his lawyers are examining the available legal options following the arbitrator’s ruling.

“The contract was for one season. After that, they issued a letter of termination.

“But my lawyers are exploring options. The recent decision is biased,” adds the former midfield man.

The controversy follows a significant period for Mlwane and The Bees. His work with the club had helped them move up from the ABC Motsepe League to the second level of South African football before the relationship ended early in the following campaign.

The initial PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber ruling had gone in Mlwane’s favour in April, but the independent arbitration process has now produced a different outcome. Mlwane’s legal team is expected to determine how the case will proceed after reviewing the reasons given in the latest decision.

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder has not accepted the outcome and says the contract and supporting documents were available during the proceedings. His objection is focused on the arbitrator’s conclusion that there was insufficient documentary evidence and no verbal evidence to support his claim.

Further details on the next stage of the dispute will be announced after Mlwane and his lawyer complete their assessment of the ruling.