More problems for Danny Jordaan's SAFA! Governing body taken to High Court for failure to address players' cases as Kaizer Chiefs' Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi are kept waiting

Even before the dust settles on FIFA's Bafana punishment, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is in yet another storm involving unresolved cases involving players.

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has now dragged SAFA to the High Court for failure to listen to and determine appeals lodged by players who have contractual disputes with clubs.

The player's union has cited the dispute involving Cape Town Spurs and two of its former players, signed by Kaizer Chiefs, as one of the cases that SAFA is yet to fully address.

“A recent example is the unresolved case of Cape Town Spurs players Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi. After the team’s relegation, the NDRC declared them free agents, and they were signed by Kaizer Chiefs,” SAFPU secretary general Nhlanhla Shabalala said, as quoted by Sunday World.

"Yet, over a month later, Safa has failed to hear the appeal, leaving the players and their new club in limbo because the award remains suspended until the finalisation of the appeal," Shabalala added.

“Some of these cases have been pending since 2019. This isn’t a delay – it’s a deliberate and unlawful denial of justice. Delayed justice is no justice at all. The silence and inaction by Safa are not just administrative oversights; they are political choices that betray the players.”

SAFPU's case has come at a time when the football SAFA is under immense pressure following FIFA's punishment of Bafana Bafana.

Bafana's dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals was hit by a massive blow when FIFA deducted their points by three after ineligible Teboho Mokoena played against Lesotho in a qualifier in March.

FIFA's sanction has put SAFA under a negative spotlight, with some calling for the president, Danny Jordaan, and senior staff to quit following the Mokoena blunder.

The fury of the nation also saw Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie promise to lead a thorough investigation and find out who is responsible for the mess.

"The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction," the minister said.

"We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences."

Bafana's preparation for the October qualifiers has been overshadowed by the Mokoena punishment. But Hugo Broos must make sure his charges are mentally prepared for the remaining qualifiers despite losing hard-earned points on the pitch.

South Africa will face Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2025, and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on 14 October, knowing anything short of six points will likely see them miss out on the qualifying berth.

After the points deduction South Africa are second in Group C on 14 points, behind Benin on goal difference, and with Nigeria lurking in third on 11 points.