Unfair Dismissal and Wage Theft Rock PSL: Leruma United FC Faces Legal Action
Image Source: Leruma FC via Facebook
A disturbing case of unfair dismissal and wage theft has sent shockwaves through South African football, with the Motsepe Foundation Championship club, Leruma United FC, at the center of a scandal involving one of its recently signed players. The player, who joined the club in August 2024, was allegedly terminated after just one month of employment and paid a paltry R1 000 in wages, far below his contractual entitlement.
The player is now pursuing legal action against Leruma United, with the backing of the Football Union of South Africa (FUSA), which has condemned the club for its alleged violations of labor laws and player rights. The case has sparked outrage, highlighting the exploitation and precarious conditions some players endure within South Africa’s professional football system.
The Allegations: Unpaid Wages and Unfair Dismissal
According to FUSA, the affected footballer was employed by Leruma United under a fixed-term contract from August 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The contract stipulated a monthly salary of R6 000, but the player was only paid R1 000 for the month of August, far below the agreed amount. On September 11, 2024, the club abruptly terminated the player’s contract without a proper explanation or opportunity for him to defend himself.
FUSA’s secretary-general, Taelo Motloung, expressed grave concern over the club’s treatment of its players, emphasizing that the alleged practices were in direct violation of South Africa’s Labor Relations Act (LRA) and the Code of Good Practice (COGP). The union claims that the club failed to follow the legal procedures for termination, including conducting a thorough investigation and providing the player with a fair hearing.
“FUSA will not tolerate the exploitation of players,” Motloung stated. “Players deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes fair compensation for their services. What has occurred at Leruma United is unacceptable, and we will ensure that justice is served.”
Player Seeking Compensation
In response to the alleged mistreatment, the player, with FUSA’s support, is seeking compensation for lost wages and damages amounting to R78,669.06. FUSA asserts that the player’s dismissal was not only unlawful but also a violation of his contractual and labor rights, and they are determined to hold Leruma United accountable.
The case has shed light on broader concerns about the treatment of players within South Africa’s professional football leagues, particularly those in the lower divisions, where wage theft and poor working conditions are reported more frequently.
Leruma United Denies Allegations
Leruma United’s owner, Leruma Thobejane, has denied the accusations, asserting that the club acted within its rights and that the issue of unpaid wages was due to a misunderstanding of pro-rata salary payments.
“I explained to the players what pro-rata means,” Thobejane told FARPost. “There are two players claiming they were unfairly dismissed, but that is between them and the club.”
Thobejane further suggested that the players were not being truthful in their allegations: “Sometimes when people aren’t honest, they can tell you a story, but they cannot back it up.”
A Second Complaint Emerges
Adding fuel to the controversy, FUSA revealed that a second player has come forward with a similar complaint against Leruma United. This player, reportedly earning R2 000 per month, alleges that he was also unfairly dismissed and denied his full wages. While the specifics of the second case remain under investigation, it paints a grim picture of the conditions some players face, particularly those in lower-tier leagues like the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
A Call for Greater Accountability
This unfolding saga has raised urgent questions about labor practices within South African football, with many calling for increased protection and oversight to ensure that players are not taken advantage of. FUSA has vowed to continue advocating for players’ rights and to take action against any club found guilty of exploitation.
For now, the football community waits to see how the legal battle between the player and Leruma United will unfold. As South Africa’s football leagues continue to grow, so too must the focus on fair treatment and respect for the players who dedicate their lives to the game.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency and enforcement of labor standards within the PSL and its lower divisions. As the league looks toward its future, ensuring that all players are treated with dignity and compensated fairly must remain a priority.
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