Fight over who owns Mothwa

LIMPOPO clubs Polokwane City FC and Baroka FC are still at each other’s throats over the ownership of goalkeeper, Veli Mothwa and only a decision by an arbitrator will provide clarity about which team owns Mothwa’s signature.

Mothwa made headlines last November when it emerged that he had signed two professional contracts with both City and Baroka.

The lanky goalkeeper spent the last season between the goal posts for Baroka FC, and was the centre of attention when Jomo Cosmos, Roses United and Blackburn Rovers all lodged protests against the player in the National First Division.

With the South African Football Associations’ (Safa) appeal boards upholding the decision of the Premier Soccer League ‘s (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), which had ruled in favour of City, Baroka’s future lies in the hands of an arbitrator who is likely to make his verdict known this week.

The 24-year-old Mothwa played 21 matches for Baroka in the previous season, and if the decision comes out in favour of City, Baroka’s status will be under threat as over 35 points may be docked from them, something which might see the club getting relegated to the ABC Motsepe League. Mothwa, who is said to have joined Chippa United, might have to face a monetary fine or suspension.

Patrick Baloyi of City said Mothwa was their player and the club was amazed when they learned that he had signed a contract with Baroka. On the other hand, Baroka’s CEO, Morgan Mammila said after Rovers protested against Mothwa, they would go to the highest court to prove that they were the legitimate owners of Mothwa’s signature.