PLE CEO TESTIFIES IN PITSO, SA’S ’DOWNS SAGA

MBABANE – The PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya has testified in the ongoing court case involving top Coach Pitso Mosimane and his former employer  Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former Sundowns  General Manager (GM) took the stand in the South African High Court, Johannesburg last week as part of the ongoing legal dispute between Sundowns and ‘Jingles’, as Mosimane is affectionately known, along with his wife Moira Tlhagale. Makhanya’s involvement has been brought up after serving as a general member when Mosimane was hired as Head Coach in 2012 and transformed the team into one of Africa’s most formidable sides.

A source revealed that Makhanya provided testimony in the case, which revolves around Sundowns seeking to recover an alleged E8 million commission from Mosimane and his wife, following the coach’s early departure from the club. The dispute has persisted for several years, with attempts to settle out of court proving unsuccessful.

The hearing took place in the presence of Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, who was subpoenaed to attend the proceedings. Motsepe’s attendance underscores the high-profile nature of the case and the significant stakes involved for both parties. Sundowns initiated the legal action against their former coach in an effort to recover a portion of the E8.6 million in agent fees paid to Mosimane and his representatives upon his contract renewal at the end of the 2019/2020 season.

The seven-time Premier Soccer League champions argued that it was unlawful for Mosimane, now coaching Abha, to accept payment and then leave for Al Ahly. However, during her testimony, Tlhagale, Managing Director of MT Sports and Mosimane’s wife, revealed that the involved parties had already considered parting ways following remarks made by the former ’Downs coach. The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) CEO confirmed his involvement in the ongoing court case in South Africa when questioned about the matter.

Witness

“I was a witness last week Monday and Tuesday at the High Court in Johannesburg,” he said briefly. Meanwhile, the ongoing legal dispute between Sundowns and Mosimane has significantly strained their relationship with the club seeking an apology and financial compensation from the former coach. The outcome of this case could have considerable implications for both parties and potentially set a precedent for future disputes in professional soccer.

Following submissions from all parties, the court case is set to resume next month. During this session, Tlhagale will be cross-examined by the Sundowns legal team, while Mosimane is also expected to make an appearance and possibly take the witness stand. As the dispute continues to unfold, the football community is closely monitoring the developments and potential consequences for both Mosimane and Sundowns.

Meanwhile, the dispute has resulted in a significant strain on the relationship between Sundowns and Mosimane, with the club demanding an apology and seeking financial compensation from the former coach. The former Black Leopards Chief Operation Officer (COO) is approaching the end of his two-year contract in August, aligning with the completion of the executive’s four-year tenure. Makhanya joined the Premier League of Eswatini in August 2022.7

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