Richards Bay FC Ordered to Pay Mxolisi Macuphu After Legal Dispute

Richards Bay FC have been ordered to pay former striker Mxolisi Macuphu following a legal dispute over unpaid wages and signing-on fees. Macuphu, who joined the KwaZulu-Natal side in January from Royal AM, spent only six months at the club and struggled for game time, making eight appearances with just two starts.

The 36-year-old had arrived on a free transfer after Royal AM failed to pay his December 2024 salary and signing-on fee. After leaving Richards Bay at the end of last season, he took the matter to the Football Union of South Africa (FUSA), which escalated the case to the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

FUSA secretary Taelo Motloung confirmed that the PSL ruled in Macuphu’s favour. “Following the club’s failure to pay the player’s signing-on fees despite FUSA’s letters of demand, we escalated the matter to the PSL’s DRC. The case was scheduled to be heard on Monday, September 29. Both clubs did not appear, so the orders were given for the clubs to make the payments,” said Motloung.

The ruling requires Richards Bay to pay Macuphu all outstanding amounts, including unpaid signing-on fees and one month’s salary. Macuphu now plays for Gomora United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

In a related case, Lerumo Lions were also ordered to pay former SuperSport United DStv Diski Challenge player Felix Noge for a default on a settlement inherited from Pretoria Callies. FUSA confirmed that both rulings were victories for the players and that the signed orders from the DRC are expected within three days.

These cases highlight the PSL’s commitment to ensuring that clubs meet contractual obligations and protect players’ rights.