The case has got nothing to do with our planning for matches. When you appeal, you appeal because you know you will win the appeal
KAIZER Chiefs are confident they will win their appeal against the two-window player transfer ban imposed on them by Fifa. Amakhosi were found guilty of having illegally signed Madagascar striker Ardriamirado ‘Dux’ Andrianarimanana.
The Glamour Boys got Dux on a supposedly free transfer from Fosa Juniors FC of Madagascar last season having been under the impression the player was out of contract. But Fosa insisted he was still contracted to the club for another two years and took the matter to Fifa who ruled in their favour.
Dux, who has since joined Black Leopards, has been banned from playing for four months and ordered to pay about R650 000.
Chiefs’ Communication Manager Vina Maphosa confirmed that they are appealing the matter.
“We will appeal but we won’t tell you when. We are confirming that we are going to appeal. That means within the stipulated time (of 21 days upon the sanction announcement),” Maphosa explained, adding they would not be taking FIFA on if they were not confident of winning.
“Let us be clear on that. We are appealing the case. The case has got nothing to do with our planning for matches. When you appeal, you appeal because you know you will win the appeal. You don’t just appeal. But I can’t discuss the case, sorry. I can’t. Not at all. No comments there.”
If Chiefs loses the appeal, it will come as a huge blow for the club. Amakhosi will be competing in continental competitions next season given that they are on course to finish in the top three at least, if not win the Absa Premiership. Being in more competitions will require that they have strength in depth and the ban will rob them of that.
Maphosa is not bothered by that possibility though. “It is a process. In a process anything can happen. We couldn’t have anticipated the outcome of any sort. I don’t want to get into whether we were surprised or not. Processes produce any results. We are not in a matter of surprises,” Maphosa explained.
