Wayne Arendse of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 01 April 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Wayne Arendse during the Premiership in the 2018/19 season. Photo: BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns: Safa to hear Wayne Arendse case on Friday

Mamelodi Sundowns could see their title charge derailed with just a day remaining before the 2018/19 PSL finale.

Wayne Arendse of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 01 April 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Wayne Arendse during the Premiership in the 2018/19 season. Photo: BackpagePix

With just about 48 hours remaining before a new PSL champion is crowned, current title holders Mamelodi Sundowns are still unsure about their points tally, due to a cloud hanging over them, stemming from the unlawful fielding of defender Wayne Arendse.

During a league game against Bidvest Wits in October 2018, the defender was penned in as a late addition to the team sheet after he had been originally left out of the matchday squad.

According to the PSL’s rule book, the move was unlawful, prompting the league to take action against both club and player, with fines of R250 000 and R50 000 handed to the two parties respectively.

Wayne Arendse hearing set to derail Sundowns title charge

However, the PSL has gone on to appeal the sanctions issued out by the disciplinary committee, requesting that Sundowns’ opponents on the day be awarded a 3-0 victory, which could reshape the title race at a crucial stage.

The defending champions are two points clear at the top of the table ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, while the possible three-point haul, pending the hearing, could see Wits drawing level with the Buccaneers and back into the title race.

Friday is D-day for the Brazilians

However, according to Sundowns’ general manager Yogesh Singh, the club has written to the league in an effort to figure out how the decision to appeal the matter came to be.

“We sent a letter last night (Wednesday) and we are yet to receive a response, but just now got a letter from Safa saying we must choose anbetween arbitrator,” he is quoted by KickOff.

Yogesh Singh

Both Mamelodi Sundowns and the PSL have been tasked to pick an arbitrator and, failing which, Safa will appoint one.

According to The Sowetan, Safa has handed the two parties three names to choose from, expecting them to hand in their submissions by Thursday afternoon so that the matter can be heard on Friday.

Sundowns travel to Bethlehem for their final game of the season against Free State Stars at Goble Park on Saturday.