Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Orlando Pirates have won the battle against Kaizer Chiefs over striker Siphelele Mthembu, but Amakhosi look set to appeal against the ruling.

The outcome vindicated Pirates' administration executive, Floyd "Jomo" Mbele, who was accused in various quarters of illegally signing Mthembu.

At a hastily assembled media briefing yesterday, PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu announced the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) ruled in favour of Pirates in this case.

There are no "order costs" and the PSL was ordered by the DRC to charge Mthembu for misconduct in terms of rule 35:16.2 after he signed contracts with both Pirates and Chiefs.

In terms of the rule, it is illegal for a player to sign a contract with two separate clubs at the same time, which is what Mthembu did.

Regarding a possible fine against Mthembu, Majavu said he would study the ruling first before deciding on further charges.

Though Bucs won the case, Mthembu cannot play for them until the period of seven working days for any aggrieved party to lodge an appeal expires.

A relaxed Mbele said: "The decision reaffirms our belief in the judicial processes of the league and we feel vindicated by the ruling."

Bobby Motaung, Chiefs' team manager, said: "The journey is still on, we are still going to study the ruling. The DC will look at the issue of the two contracts."

The two-month-long dispute has also seen Mthembu in his testimony denying any inducement on the part of Pirates.

Chiefs initially accused Pirates of improperly registering Mthembu and alleged misrepresentation where accusing fingers were pointed at Maritzburg City's boss Bongi Hlope. Mthembu was a Maritzburg City player.

If they appeal and lose, this would be the second time Chiefs lose a player in a dispute, though he had signed a contract with them. Papi Zothwane was ordered to return to Lamontville Golden Arrows and was fined R50000 after signing with Chiefs while he had a contract with Arrows.