BLOEMFONTEIN – Silence is golden for the Marumo Gallants FC in a High Court matter with Moroka Swallows over the latter club’s sale of its Premier Soccer League franchise deal just over a year ago. The Gallants confirmed they received court documents relating to a matter from the aggrieved Swallows on a Friday, 13 February.
However, the Dr Abram Sello-owned team would not comment further on this debacle, citing that the matter was before the court. “The club will not be making any further public comments, nor will it be participating in media interviews regarding the issue.
“The Marumo Gallants FC respects the legal process and will allow the matter to proceed through the appropriate judicial channels.
“The club would like to assure its supporters, partners and stakeholders that operations continue as normal. Management, technical staff and players remain fully focused on preparations and ongoing commitments for the remainder of the season,” said Sello Nduna, Gallants spokesperson in a media statement issued on Monday 16 February following wide reportage of the legal battle with Swallows.
He said further communication would be issued when appropriate.
According to reports published by various media houses, aggrieved Swallows are citing unpaid debts and alleged breaches of contract as the chief reason to have cancelled the 2024 deal that saw the Gallants take over their top-flight status.
The Soweto side reportedly took the matter to the High Court as a last resort, seeking a court order to reclaim their place in South Africa’s top division.
The gist of the matter as widely reported:
- Gallants reportedly failed to pay a R10 million tax debt, which has since increased to approximately R13 million due to penalties and interest.
- Arrears: An additional R10 million meant for player and technical staff debts was allegedly only partially paid through deductions from PSL grant payments.
- Security Breach: Swallows further allege that the Gallants sold its National Frist Division franchise to Leruma United, — which had been ceded as security for the debt and the sale was without Swallows’ knowledge.
Following the completion of the deal earlier in 2024, the Gallants relocated to Bloemfontein as their permanent home and managed to retain their top-flight status in the recently concluded 2024-’25 season.
As things stand in the PSL, the Gallants face relegation following their winless streak going into the critical final stretch of the season. The club is rooted on 15 points and has managed to record just three wins and six draws thus far. The draws were against giants Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orbit College, Magesi FC, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United. All three wins – against Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and Richards Bay – came with 2 – 1 scorelines.
The Bahlabane ba Ntwa are on a four-game losing streak in the Betway Premiership following a 3 – 0 defeat to Pirates last Saturday. The team has failed to secure a league victory since October last year.
The Gallants have descended to 14th position on the league table following their dismal run under the youthful French-born coach Lafitte. Lafitte’s target is to ensure the club qualifies for the top eight.
The club’s most notable achievement under his charge is reaching the final of the Carling Cup – but they lost 1 – 0 to Pirates.
