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PSL send Sekhukhune home to ‘deal’ with AWOL player’s case
'For some reason the chair of that sitting ruled that this misconduct must be referred to the PSL DC as a complaint by Sekhukhune United,' said Zola Majavu.
Leonardo Rooi of Sekhukhune United and West Kgwetiane of Marumo Gallants during a DStv Diski Challenge match. Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
It is not yet clear why Sekhukhune United decided to take an internal disciplinary matter to the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) disciplinary committee, but it has been told to deal with the matter internally.
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Normally, such cases are dealt with within the club’s structures and it is the accused who takes it further if they are not satisfied with the ruling, and not the other way round.
This was revealed by PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu on Tuesday morning, saying Sekhukhune had brought the case to them.
But after considering arguments from Sekhukhune and the player’s legal representatives, it ruled that it cannot meddle on internal affairs of the club.
Sekhukhune had complained about their player, Leonardo Rooi, who had gone AWOL at the club.
“I can confirm that earlier this morning, the PSL DC considered a complaint duly lodged and prosecuted Sekhukhune United FC,” said Majavu.
“The player concerned was Leonardo Rooi and the allegation against him was that he abstention himself from official duty for a number of days without just cause.
“The matter was subsequently and initially reported to the internal DC of the club.
“And for some reason the chair of that sitting ruled that this misconduct must be referred to the PSL DC as a complaint by Sekhukhune United.
“Sekhukhune duly followed the complaint procedure in accordance with the PSL rules,” added the experienced legal eagle.
PSL cannot rule on Sekhukhune matter
He said the date for the matter was set for Tuesday and sat but the PSL could not rule on it as it was out of its jurisdiction.
“And the matter was officially tabled by myself as the prosecutor before the tribunal where after it was duly prosecuted by Sekhukhune.
“However, right at the beginning, and correctly so in my view, the player’s legal representative raised an objection relating to the jurisdiction of the PSL DC.
“Having listened to the submissions from the two parties and the league remaining neutral, the PSL DC concluded that indeed it does not have jurisdiction to entertain this matter.
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“And accordingly, the point made by the player was upheld, meaning that the complaint itself was not even adjudicated due to the lack of jurisdiction.”
