Moroka Swallows Chairman David Mogashoa Called for Fixture Cancellations Claims Players Union

• Moroka Swallows have received the public backing of the union protecting their interests
• The South African Football Players Union were harsh in their assessment of the club's actions
• Swallows' management announced via a popular podcast that 22 players had been released

The restart of the DStv Premiership is three weeks away but Moroka Swallows' labour dispute is raging on.

A lawyer representing the club's management appeared on Robert Marawa's podcast to state the club had released half of the first team squad but the player's union has claimed that to be improper.

The South African Football Players Union (Safpu) was highly critical of the Swallows management, peeling back the curtain on what happened in their PSL disciplinary hearing.

In a press conference, Safpu President Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe stated that the club had admitted to previous salary payment delays as well as the failure to pay performance bonuses.

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The union's president highlighted a 'malfunctioning payroll system' that did not document payslips and denied the players participated in an unprotected strike. Sunday World published Gaoshubelwe's claims:

"Chairman David Mogashoa was the one who called for the cancellation of the games. [He] promised and committed to providing players with compensation by December 22 2023, but failed to fulfil this commitment.”

Vusi Sibiya's name was not in the batch of 22 players Swallows claimed had been sacked but the defender did confirm he and his teammates had not been paid since November.

He stated his willingness to get back on the field and not only preserve their DStv Premiership status, but push for a strong top-half finish. Sibiya told iDiskiTimes:

“We have goals. We must be strong because this is our job. We must be motivated and try to bounce back.”

Post AFCON, The Dube Birds' next league fixture is away at Cape Town City on February 13.

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Can Moroka Swallows survive the season?

Sports Brief recently reported on Moroka Swallows' chances of survival after releasing a host of players.

The bulk of their last matchday squad is facing the axe and the club does not have the funds to rebuild.

The relegation playoffs could be calling as Richards Bay FC are six points behind with 14 games to play.