Farook Kadodia: Expected outcome a welcome relief

The Team of Choice claimed top spot in the Motsepe Foundation Championship to secure their return to the South African top-flight.

The club were, however, accused of fielding an ineligible player this season and were taken to court to resolve the issue.

JDR Stars had lodged a protest in May, claiming that Saziso Magawana had not been properly registered when he signed from Marumo Gallants.

Following the ruling, City chairman Kadodia told IOL: "The outcome of the arbitration was what we expected.

"We were basically embarrassed in relation to the arbitration and dispute resolution chamber, even though we had already won our initial case with the PSL. The matter went to arbitration, and the outcome was very clear."

Kadodia added though that the case left a sour taste in the mouth, as it prevented his team from properly celebrating their achievement.

He added: "It was really disappointing that the players weren't able to celebrate with the trophy and be officially recognised as champions on the pitch.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from the PSL yet — my only communication has been with Safa. I'm still not sure whether there will be any formal trophy celebrations."

He concluded: "We are just jubilant with the way things turned out. Whoever the perpetrators were regarding these cases, we always believed there was no case — the player and the club were innocent because we followed due process correctly.

"We'll sit down next week and map out our future. We have to be competitive and prepare a team that will challenge and symbolise a side in the PSL."