Teboho Setena

BLOEMFONTEIN – The Mangaung Unite FC has claimed the 2025-’26 Free State ABC Motsepe League title with two matches to spare. The match against the Mountain Eagles is scheduled for Saturday 9 May in Bloemfontein, while the date for the fixture against the Remember Elite Soccer Academy is yet to be confirmed.

The fixture against the Academy will take place in Sasolburg. According to Mosa Dladla, provincial executive officer of the South African Football Association (Safa), the fixture in question is an outstanding match from December last year. She said the Academy has further requested a postponement to a match date, the football federation is yet to confirm.

Controversy surrounds this “delayed” match after it did not take place, reportedly owing to the Academy’s failure to comply with the Safa Uniform Competition Rules (Rule 5.5.1), to ensure the pitch was ready. According to the Safa Uniform Competition Rules (Rule 5.5.1), the home team is responsible for securing a suitable venue and ensuring pitch readiness. Failure to have the pitch properly marked with visible, white lines (no sand or ashes) or failing to secure the venue constitutes misconduct, which can lead to a loss of three points and three goals (forfeiture) if found guilty by a disciplinary committee.

■ Pitch preparation: Grounds must be clearly marked with reflective white lines (powder, not sand or debris) and nets must be in place before the match.

■ Safety and security: The home team must provide safe, suitable venues and ensure the safety of officials.

■ Consequences: If the referee deems the field unfit for play due to poor lining, the home team risks forfeiting the match.

■ Responsibility: The home team is fully responsible for arranging the venue and compliance.

Mangaung lamented Safa’s decision to order a replay of this match, despite the Academy’s failure to comply for the first face-off.

While the two fixtures against the Eagles and the Academy will officially end Mangaung’s season, they will also mark the start of the club’s preparations for the national promotion playoffs scheduled to take place from 15 to 20 June.

The team is eyeing a promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (National First Division) for the upcoming 2026-’27 season after failing twice previously. Mangaung have beaten challengers Sasolburg United FC in this intensive contest for the provincial title. The Bloemfontein-based side previously won the provincial championship in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024.