Johannesburg – Deflated and immensely disappointed, Royal AM say they will regroup, sit down and evaluate whatever option they have after Sekhukhune United were yesterday declared GladAfrica Championship winners, following a fierce court battle.
Sekhukhune scored a major winning goal in court in the form of a verdict that the ruling by Safa arbitrator to award Sekhukhune three points should be upheld.
The much-awaited verdict resulted in the PSL awarding Babina Noko three points, effectively taking them to the top of the GladAfrica Championship and gaining automatic promotion to the PSL.
The Limpopo club now tops the league table with 53 points while Royal AM are now demoted to second position on 51 points.
Royal AM will be left with egg on their face after a series of parties were thrown to celebrate their entry into the PSL – but they still have a chance of sneaking into the premier division via the promotion play-offs.
Also read: Babina Noko gain promotion to the PSL’s Premiership after court ruling
Royal AM are owned by the flamboyant Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize and her flashy son Andile Mpisane.
“Obviously we are disappointed. We have just seen the judgment now. The next step is to read the judgment and see the way forward. We will also see what options we can explore,” said Royal AM spokesperson Sthembiso Hlongwane.
The fiercely contested matter was taken to court by the PSL and Polokwane City who wanted Safa arbitrator Hilton Epstein’s decision to award Sekhukhuni three points set aside.
In yesterday’s verdict, which was seen by the Sunday World, Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland said: “The application to review the arbitration award given by Epstein SC on 19 May is dismissed. “The costs incurred by Sekhukhune shall be borne by Polokwane City and Royal AM jointly and severally, the one paying the other to be absolved. Safa and the PSL shall bear their own costs.”
Safa CEO Tebogo Motlanthe said that they were always confident in their arbitrator’s decision. “ Either us or the PSL cannot decide when to apply or not to apply the decisions of judicial bodies.”
The PSL also conceded defeat when they announced via a statement that declared Sekhukhune as the GladAfrica Championships winners.
The statement also mentioned that Royal AM, Chippa United and Richards Bay FC will contest the promotion/relegation play-off s, which will commence on Tuesday.
Sekhukhune’s instructing attorney Karabo Mathang- Tshabuse said: “We noted that after the court order, that the PSL have updated the log and declared Sekhukhune as champions and will be promoted to the DStv Premiership next season.
“We are happy that justice has prevailed. Our clients can now start preparing themselves for their maiden season in the PSL.”
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