Sekhukhune United clear Bethuel Muzeu transfer dispute with Black Leopards

Bethuel Muzeu’s move from Black Leopards to Sekhukhune United has been cleared, ending a transfer dispute that had left the Namibian striker unable to play for his new club.

Muzeu was announced as one of Sekhukhune United’s new signings at the start of the season, but Black Leopards withheld his clearance. The situation left the forward in limbo and prevented his registration for Babina Noko.

The matter came to light before Sekhukhune United’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg meeting with Orlando Pirates on Saturday. Head coach Cedric Kaze confirmed that Muzeu would not be available for the match, although he expected the administrative problem to be resolved shortly.

“About Muzeu, unfortunately he is not available yet due to administrative issues but we hope in the next coming weeks his case will be resolved,” Kaze said at the MTN press conference at the company’s headquarters in Randburg on Thursday.

The dispute arose because Sekhukhune United understood Muzeu to be a free agent when they reached an agreement to sign him. However, Black Leopards maintained that an arrangement between the two clubs was required before the player’s clearance could be released.

Black Leopards were relegated to the ABC Motsepe League at the end of the 2025/26 season. That change meant their players technically became free agents because the club no longer competed within the National Soccer League (NSL), which consists of South Africa’s top two divisions.

Despite that classification, the disagreement over Muzeu’s registration remained unresolved until he obtained his clearance from Black Leopards. A source close to the situation confirmed that the document had now been issued, allowing Sekhukhune United to register the striker.

“He has received his clearance from Black Leopards. I think he is sorted now. Leopards wanted to negotiate with Sekhukhune for his clearance, but he has it now.”

The source said Black Leopards had not simply refused to release the clearance, but had sought an agreement with Sekhukhune United as part of the process.

“It’s not like Leopards were refusing to give him his clearance, but they needed to have an agreement with Sekhukhune for some reason it was club-to-club. I don’t know if they’ve had an agreement, but he can be registered, as he has his clearance,” the source explained.

The wider uncertainty at Black Leopards has been increased by the club’s continuing challenge against their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League. Lidoda Duvha have blamed the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for administrative problems after the League withheld the registrations of several players because of a perceived FIFA transfer ban.

Black Leopards consequently began the campaign without a full squad, and that shortage was a factor in their eventual relegation.

Sekhukhune United now face a demanding run of fixtures against Orlando Pirates. The two sides are scheduled to meet three times in just over a week, including a Betway Premiership match, as well as their MTN8 semi-final ties.