Phalaborwa United FC.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Phalaborwa United have been expelled from SAFA league competitions for two years after a disciplinary hearing found the Limpopo club guilty of assaulting a match official and causing the abandonment of their Nedbank Cup clash with Vondwe XI Bullets.
The Limpopo Provincial Football Association disciplinary hearing found the club guilty of assaulting a match official, throwing missiles and other objects, and causing the abandonment of the match.
The hearing, held via Microsoft Teams on 25 and 26 September 2026 under case ABC2627001, followed the incident at the Makhado Show Ground on 19 September.
How the drama unfolded
The match was goalless and approaching full time when the situation exploded in the 87th minute.
A Phalaborwa United player handled the ball inside the penalty area, with the first assistant referee flagging the infringement.
The referee awarded Vondwe XI Bullets a penalty.
That decision triggered an immediate protest from the Phalaborwa United camp.
According to evidence presented at the disciplinary hearing, Phalaborwa United players removed the ball from the penalty spot and refused to allow the spot-kick to be taken.
The protests soon escalated.
Players, team officials and spectators wearing club colours entered the field, while the assistant referee was subjected to insults.
The referee was then pushed and assaulted, while cans and other objects were thrown.
The match official was forced to flee the area and was later assisted by police.
He subsequently opened a case at Makhado Police Station, recorded under CAS 226/9/2026, and sought medical attention after suffering a swollen face.
Match abandoned
Attempts were made to get the match restarted.
Assistant referee 1 briefly took over in an effort to restart proceedings from the penalty, but Phalaborwa United again refused to continue.
The fixture was consequently abandoned.
At the disciplinary hearing, Phalaborwa United, represented by Thomas Sibuyi, pleaded not guilty.
The hearing also heard evidence from match commissioner Austine Chauke.
However, the chairperson declined to consider testimony from team manager Nyiko Shithlelane, noting that he had been present from the beginning of the proceedings and therefore was not regarded as an independent witness.
Heavy punishment
The disciplinary finding has now delivered a major blow to the club.
Phalaborwa United were ordered to pay a R20 000 fine, of which R10 000 is suspended.
The immediately payable R10 000 must be settled within seven days of the outcome. Failure to pay will result in the suspended R10 000 becoming payable.
Vondwe XI Bullets were awarded three points from the fixture.
But the biggest sanction is the club’s two-year expulsion from all SAFA league competitions.
The punishment effectively removes Phalaborwa United from SAFA league football for two seasons and represents a significant setback for the club.
SAFA sends a strong message
The case highlights the serious consequences facing clubs when violence is directed at match officials.
While disputes over refereeing decisions are common in football, the disciplinary outcome makes clear that physical attacks, intimidation and behaviour resulting in the abandonment of matches can carry severe sporting consequences.
For Phalaborwa United, what started as a late penalty dispute has ended with the club facing a two-year absence from SAFA league competitions — as well as a substantial financial penalty.