By Mark Ogagan
South African Premier Soccer League side, Moroka Swallows have fired their first choice goalkeeper and former Nigeria international, Daniel Akepyi over a lingering pay dispute.
Akpeyi was axed alongside 21 other players over the December 2023 pay dispute which prevented the club from honouring league fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
According to Swallows lawyer, Leruma Thobejane, “All the players that were charged have appeared before the Disciplinary Committee of Swallows, and some were found guilty,
“Three batches of players were represented by different legal representations. Some were represented by the South African Football Players Union. Those that were found guilty have been dismissed.
“We are waiting for the verdict on players represented by two private entities. Today 22 players have been dismissed, ” the lawyer further disclosed.
Swallows were fined R1 million by the Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee after they failed to turn up for their DStv Premiership fixtures against Arrows and Sundowns last December
R600 00 of that amount was suspended for 24 months, and Swallows were also handed 3-0 losses for the two games that they did not turn up for.
Swallows later announced that all players who refused to train were going to be put before a disciplinary committee, and they have now said that they have fired 22 players, apparently with more to follow.
The players dismissed include Daniel Akpeyi, Bongani Sam, Sipho Sibiya, Lantshane Phalane, Wandisile Letlabika, Siyabonga Khumalo and Kwanda Mngonyama.
It remains to be seen whether the players will appeal this decision, or renegotiate new contracts with Swallows. It also remains to be seen how Swallows coach Steve Komphela can put together a squad when the season resumes in February, if all of these players are indeed fired.
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