SAFPU slams Siwelele FC over governance and player welfare concerns

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has issued a scathing rebuke of Siwelele FC amid a tumultuous period for the newly-promoted Betway Premiership side.

Recent upheavals, including the dismissal of CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse, have sparked significant concerns regarding the club's governance, particularly in relation to player welfare and contractual obligations.

Since acquiring top-flight status after businessman Calvin Le John purchased SuperSport United at the end of the previous season, Siwelele FC has encountered a dismal start to the 2025/26 campaign. With only one victory, one draw and five losses from seven matches played, the club has struggled to forge a winning formula, leaving both fans and players wary of the direction in which the leadership is steering the club.

Adding fuel to the fire, the announcement of Matthews and Arendse’s departures on Sunday has raised further questions about the club's internal stability. Le John, who is the son of Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, has suggested that several players who lack the “hunger” to represent the team will also lose their contracts.

This threat has provoked outrage from SAFPU, which has decried the potential unilateral terminations as a flagrant disregard for the contracts that bind players to their clubs.

“SAFPU warns against reckless governance and disrespect of football contracts at Siwelele FC,” the union stated, in a statement released on Monday. The statement emphasised the importance of safeguarding the dignity and security of football professionals in the nation.

SAFPU stressed that contracts in football are binding agreements grounded in the NSL Handbook and FIFA law.

“Contracts are not playthings. They are binding instruments,” the union asserted.

Any attempt by Siwelele to terminate player contracts unilaterally would not go unchecked, with SAFPU declaring their readiness to confront the club at the National Dispute Resolution Committee (NDRC) and beyond.

The union has also expressed concerns about the recently implemented 600km travel policy, which requires players to travel by bus for long periods — seven to eight hours — before competing at elite levels. SAFPU described these journeys as reckless, highlighting the negative impact on both player welfare and performance.

Meanwhile, Siwelele FC announced the appointment of Lerato Kholoanyane as interim CEO, replacing Stan Matthews. Kholoanyane, a member of the Patriotic Alliance, brings a proven business track record but limited experience in football administration, prompting debate over her suitability.

Former Bloemfontein Celtic player Williem Jackson has been appointed as assistant coach. While his experience on the pitch may offer a fresh perspective, the combined lack of administrative expertise at the top level raises questions over the club’s future strategy.

Fans and analysts remain cautious.

While Kholoanyane’s business acumen may streamline operations off the pitch, the demands of football management extend beyond corporate governance, including team dynamics, player collaboration and fan expectations.