At the time of our going to press, Black Leopards were still unsure whether the team would take part in the promotional playoff games. This year's playoffs were scheduled to start on Tuesday, but the kick-off date has been postponed to a date still to be announced.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) was compelled to delay the start, pending the outcome of an arbitration case between JDR Stars and Durban City. The matter relates to a protest lodged by JDR Stars before their league match against Durban City, played at the Soshanguve Giant Stadium outside Pretoria on Sunday, 4 May. In the protest, JDR Stars allege that Durban City player Saziso Magawana was not properly registered with the club. JDR Stars lost the match 3–0.
During its sitting on Tuesday, 20 May, the PSL's disciplinary committee dismissed the protest with costs. However, anticipating that JDR Stars would appeal the ruling, the league recommended that the matter be referred directly to arbitration to avoid further delays. The South African Football Association (Safa) was still in the process of appointing a suitable arbiter to hear the case.
If the arbiter finds Durban City guilty, the team could be docked up to 45 points. This would mean automatic relegation to a lower division rather than promotion to the Betway Premiership League. Durban City ended their league campaign on 58 points, five ahead of second-placed Orbit College.
Should Durban City be penalised, Orbit College will gain automatic promotion, while Casric Stars and Black Leopards — who are currently third and fourth on the log, respectively — would qualify for the promotional playoffs.
Asked whether the team had kept players in camp after their final league fixture against the University of Pretoria FC at Thohoyandou Stadium two weeks ago, Black Leopards chairman Tshifhiwa Thidiela said there was no need to continue training.
"There's no reason for the team to continue with training sessions," he said. "We'll simply summon the players back to camp and resume preparations for the promotional playoffs if the arbiter rules against Durban City."