Kaizer Chiefs’ SAFA ruling: ONE winner, PLENTY of losers

Kaizer Chiefs were sensationally thrown a DStv Premiership title lifeline when South African Football Association (SAFA) arbitrator Nazeer Cassim ruled in their favour regarding missed league matches due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

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Amakhosi failed to honour two DStv Premiership fixtures in December last year – against Cape Town City FC and Golden Arrows – after an outbreak of the coronavirus at Naturena.

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The Soweto giants requested at the time that the fixtures be postponed, but had that plea shot down and instead they were charged by the league for their no-shows.

After a Disciplinary Commission found against Kaizer Chiefs, they took their case – and a team of heavyweight lawyers – to SAFA to be arbitrated.

And now at the end of the lengthy process Kaizer Chiefs have come out smiling.

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There’s clearly only ONE winner in this protracted saga: Kaizer Chiefs.

Amakhosi now have a genuine chance to contest for the 2021/22 DStv Premiership title.

Failing that, they are certainly now favourites to finish second and secure a lucrative CAF Champions League spot next season.

Kaizer Chiefs trail Mamelodi Sundowns by 4 points

Kaizer Chiefs have played only 19 (of 30) league matches this season, four fewer than current log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Amakhosi trail Masandawana by 16 points, but should they win those four outstanding matches – that remains a big IF – they would suddenly only trail the Brazilians by four points.

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Meanwhile, the list of losers thanks to the ruling is lengthy!

First up, both Cape Town City FC and Golden Arrows no longer have their automatic 3-0 victories over Kaizer Chiefs for missing their scheduled matches.

The Citizens flew all the way to Johannesburg to play, but were left wondering where their opponents were. Now they’ll need to board a flight once again.

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Secondly, Mamelodi Sundowns were cruising to a fifth consecutive title, but now potentially have an opponent breathing down their necks with no added distraction of other tournaments to contest while they are very much still in the thick of things in the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League.

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Thirdly, Royal AM, who are currently in second place in the standings, thought they were a point ahead of Kaizer Chiefs after the same number of matches and on track for a coveted CAF Champions League spot next season.

Now suddenly they are a point ahead of a team who’s played two fewer matches!

MaMkhize is not going to be happy!

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Kaizer Chiefs will have renewed confidence when they host Golden Arrows in their next DStv Premiership assignment at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 19 March.

Kick-off is set for 19:30.

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