Could Kaizer Chiefs Enter the MTN8 If Marumo Gallants Are Penalised?

The 2024/25 MTN8 line-up could face a dramatic reshuffle following a potential disciplinary sanction involving Marumo Gallants. This comes after Cape Town City won an appeal at the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal, arguing that Gallants fielded Monde Mphambaniso ineligible during the Betway Premiership season.

Gallants, who failed to obtain the necessary international clearance certificate before registering the 32-year-old Mphambaniso with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), avoided prosecution initially. The PSL Disciplinary Committee (D.C.) had decided not to act against the Bloemfontein-based club. However, the case has now taken a new turn after the Tribunal ruled in City’s favour.

According to article 58.1 of the NSL Handbook, fielding an ineligible player is an offense that could lead to forfeiture of all matches in which that player featured or was listed on the bench. Should the League revisit the matter under pressure from Cape Town City—and enforce the sanction—Marumo Gallants may be forced to forfeit up to 14 matches (seven wins and seven draws).

This would drastically affect the final league standings. If Gallants’ 28 points from those fixtures are removed, they would finish the season with just four points, sending them below Royal AM, who themselves had points deducted and currently sit bottom. Gallants would be relegated, and the playoff positions would shift entirely.

This shake-up could open the door for Kaizer Chiefs, who finished ninth in the league—just one point behind eighth-placed Richards Bay. The Glamour Boys’ 2-1 loss to Gallants would be converted into a 3-0 win, earning them three additional points. This would take Chiefs to 35 points, level with Richards Bay but with a superior goal tally, effectively pushing them into eighth place and qualifying them for the MTN8.

Meanwhile, Richards Bay, who drew one of their games against Gallants, would only gain two extra points, putting them at 34 points and possibly outside the top eight. Other clubs such as Polokwane City, AmaZulu, and TS Galaxy—who all lost or drew against Gallants—would also receive three points and 3-0 scoreline boosts, potentially affecting the final top-eight order further.

While the battle for MTN8 qualification could be shaken up, the CAF Confederation Cup spots—particularly third place—might remain unchanged. Stellenbosch, who finished third, are two points clear of fourth-placed Sekhukhune United, and both completed league doubles over Gallants in matches Mphambaniso was involved in. Their positions would likely stay intact even if walkover victories are awarded.

The ball is now back in the PSL’s court. If the League fails to act, Cape Town City could escalate the matter to the High Court, as the issue now revolves around enforcement of the rules governing player eligibility. The League has yet to confirm whether it considers the situation misconduct under its jurisdiction.

Should sanctions be confirmed and match results revised accordingly, Kaizer Chiefs may find themselves back in the MTN8—a development that could bring both relief and excitement to their supporters after a tough season.

For now, all eyes remain on the PSL’s next move, as the potential domino effect from the Gallants ruling could significantly reshape the landscape of the South African top flight.