Khoza denies Premier Soccer League out to fix Sundowns
JOBURG -– Dr Irvin Khoza denies that there are dark forces at play bent on denying Sundowns the opportunity to successfully defend their Absa Premiership title.
The chairperson of the Premier Soccer League (PSL0 Dr Irvin ‘Iron Duke’ Khoza has denied rumoured shenanigans that the league was bent on ensuring Mamelodi Sundowns did not retain the championship.
Addressing a press conference at PSL headquarters in Parktown, Johannesburg, Khoza, better known in the football fraternity as the Iron Duke for his astute leadership, said, “There are no dark forces plotting against anyone, let alone Sundowns. Rules are rules and they must be adhered to by all and sundry. I don’t understand why people, when rules are applied, and they turn around and say we’re plotting against Sundowns as we want to keep them away from retaining the league title. That’s not true.
“Sundowns fielded a ‘defaulter’ in the name of Wayne Arendse and we just applied the rules as provided for in the manual of the league, regardless of whether Bidvest Wits protested against it or not. There is nowhere in the manual where it says the rules can only be applied on protest?” Khoza said.
The rumours stem from the charging of Sundowns for fielding Arendse who had accumulated four yellow cards and was automatically not eligible to play. Since the game was a draw, a point might be taken away from the Brazilians and given to Wits. Downs coach Pitso Mosimane was also charged for allegedly assaulting an AmaZulu security official during a game.
Masandawana supporters felt hard done by these charges and took to social media to accuse the league of ‘playing dirt games’ designed to keep their club from retaining the league championship. The rumours were also sparked by the bringing forward of the Downs–Pirates game which was played on 1 April.
Meanwhile, Khoza also took the opportunity to announce the moving of the Nedbank Cup final from Bloemfontein Stadium to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 18 May. He said the Free State venue was not available on the day.
He also announced that the PSL Awards would be held in Durban at the International Convention Centre, a day after the Nedbank Cup final at the International Convention Centre.
Related article:
PSL boss Khoza says Jordaan’s accusations are a figment of his fertile imagination
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Pitso Mosimane heaps praise on PSL as the ‘best in Africa’
