A dispute over laptop computers has increased tensions in the leadership battle in the Vhembe region of the South African Football Association (Safa).
Ten executive committee members from the Thulamela Football Association (Thulfa), who were banned for a decade, are now involved in a legal battle over laptops, FarPost reported.
The executive committee members were banned for “defying instructions” on 6 December 2023.
The 10 refuse to accept the authority of the regional body and have been resisting orders from its officials. This dispute has caused delays in restarting Thulfa’s leagues under Safa.
The banned officials claim they are still the legitimate leaders of Thulfa despite the ban and they have demanded the return of laptops used for the association’s daily operations.
They approached the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court to reclaim the computers. The court ruled in their favour and ordered the Safa Vhembe region to immediately return the laptops and chargers to the applicants.
The court order seen by FarPost includes an instruction for the sheriff, with assistance from SAPS if needed, to ensure the laptops are returned.
They are authorised to go to the Safa Vhembe offices, or any location where the laptops might be held, to enforce the order.
As of today, neither the Safa Vhembe region nor the banned officials from Thulamela have made any public comments on the matter.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Safa building.
Image source: X
