Baroka FC appeal ruling ordering payment to former player Mothusi Gopane

Baroka FC have appealed a decision by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) which ordered the club to pay former player Mothusi Gopane his outstanding salaries, together with interest.

The dispute will now be considered through the South African Football Association (SAFA) arbitration process, with a date for the hearing still to be confirmed.

The case centres on a contested split between Gopane and the management of the Limpopo-based club. The disagreement followed a series of changes made by Baroka after a run of poor performances in last season’s Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Several players, including Gopane, were moved to train with the club’s reserves. Baroka also introduced a 25% reduction in salaries from November 2025.

Gopane challenged the measures through the PSL’s dispute-resolution process. The DRC found in favour of the player and ruled that Baroka should settle his earnings in full, with interest added to the amount owed.

That decision has not ended the dispute, however, after Baroka lodged an appeal. Taelo Motloung, secretary general of the Football Union of South Africa, confirmed the next stage of the case in comments to KickOff.

“The club has appealed the decision of the DRC, and they’ve gone to the SAFA arbitration. What remains now is, we are waiting for the date from SAFA for the sitting. That’s what we are waiting for,” says Football Union of South Africa secretary general Taelo Motloung, speaking to KickOff.

The appeal means the ruling against Baroka will now be reviewed through SAFA arbitration. No date has yet been announced for the sitting.

Baroka are currently competing in the ABC Motsepe League after being relegated from professional football last term. Their present status outside the professional divisions adds to the significance of the financial dispute, although the outstanding issue remains the club’s appeal against the DRC’s order involving Gopane.

The original disagreement emerged from the club’s decision to demote a number of players to reserve-team training and impose the salary reduction. Gopane’s case was subsequently considered by the PSL DRC, which fully supported his position and directed Baroka to pay the money it determined was due.

The matter will remain unresolved until SAFA sets a date for the arbitration hearing and considers Baroka’s challenge to the DRC decision.