SAFA firm on Motsepe League playoffs despite legal dispute

South African Football Association (SAFA) competitions committee member, Chris Chauana, has opened up on the 2025 ABC Motsepe League playoffs amid absence of two clubs.

The 2025 Motsepe playoffs kicked off at the Soshanguve Giant Stadium on Tuesday. Unlike previous years, only two matches were played on the opening day: Zizwe United drew 1-1 with Midlands Warriors, while Thames FC clinched a 2-1 victory over Kakamas Juventus.

According to reports, the Limpopo and Eastern Cape provinces have yet to confirm their participation in the tournament due to ongoing court proceedings. However, the South African Football Association is adamant that this is not a valid reason to postpone or delay the start of the tournament:

“Halting the playoffs is not optional. The playoffs will continue and conclude as scheduled. Remember, the schedule we sent out includes a rest day. Given the situation we’re in, we may have to forgo the rest day to accommodate these changes.

As the competitions committee, we will meet to make a decision regarding the two other provinces where legal matters are still pending,” he said.

Meanwhile, a final decision will be made in the coming days, as SAFA is set for a meeting on Wednesday evening.