Gomora United docked three points for U23 rule breach

Gomora United have been deducted three points after being found guilty of failing to field the required number of under-23 players in their Motsepe Foundation Championship match against Venda FC in August.

The club defeated Venda FC 1-0 at Malamulele Stadium in Limpopo two months ago, but the result has now been overturned in the standings following a ruling under Rule 35.2 of the National Soccer League (NSL) Handbook.

The regulation requires National First Division clubs to name at least five players who are both under 23 and eligible to represent South Africa on every match team sheet. It also states that at least two under-23 players must be on the pitch at all times during a game.

Soccer Laduma understands Gomora United fell short of that requirement during the closing stages of the match.

Club chairman Joe Seanego said Gomora United were notified of the sanction last week, after the case had been concluded.

“The case was completed last week. It’s a tough situation, but look, I think we’ll find a way to get some other three points,” Seanego told Soccer Laduma.

The deduction has had a significant effect on Gomora United’s league position. They have fallen from ninth to 13th in the standings as a result of losing the three points earned against Venda FC.

Seanego accepted that the club had not done enough to ensure the rules were followed throughout the match.

“It’s painful, but we learn in a hard way. I think we’ll take it and move on. Remember the tempo of the game was too high. And when we realized the mistake, in just a split second, it was too late.”

He said the incident had provided the club with a lesson, despite the immediate impact on their position.

Seanego also apologised to Gomora United’s supporters and followers, while insisting the team remained confident about its prospects this season.

“We’ll bounce back. It’s looking very promising for us this season. At the end of the day, fighting amongst ourselves will only make things worse. We win as a team. We lose as a team. We sincerely apologize to our supporters and followers for the mistake. But at the end of the day, we’ll work hard to make them proud again.”

The chairman said the club would focus on recovering from the sanction rather than allowing the ruling to divide the team.