The future of the chairperson of Thulamela Football Association (TLFA), Mr Aifheli Tshisikule, and his executive hangs in the balance, following a decision by Safa Vhembe to place the association under administration.

This follows months of quarrels, boycotts and an alleged blatant refusal by teams to play under the TLFA, because they allege mismanagement of funds and corruption. They also stated that disciplinary committee cases were still pending since the 2014/5 season. The finalisation of the cases can lead to teams' promotion to Safa Vhembe MMK.

They are still four unfinalised cases, which involve Mbahe Super Stars vs Dzingahe Peace Makers, Duthuni Happy Boys vs Tshisaulu and Vondwe United Brothers vs Makhuvha All Stars.

In July, teams in the area opted to boycott the league matches, urging Safa Vhembe to intervene. A Safa delegation, led by the chairperson of the competition committee, Mr Mulimisi Muneri, eventually managed to resolve the matter and the teams are still waiting for the report of the teams whose cases are still pending. The teams also boycotted the start of their competition, calling TLFA officials corrupt and mediocre when it came to football administration. Clubs also refused to resume with their matches for the 2015/16 soccer season.

The teams have formed a committee (concerned group), that will represent them and submit their grievances. The teams' representatives said they did not want their names to be mentioned, because they fear victimisation. The concerned group said that they were threatened not to go to the media.

They said that the association “has been sidelining us in favour of other streams. We are also questioning the way they handle the finances”. A member of the concerned group said that they had had several meetings with the mother body, Safa Vhembe, asking them to investigate the matter, "and now they acted. We need people who will work for the development of soccer and not for their own benefit.”

They thanked Messrs Moses Maluleke, Mulimisi Muneri and Hulisani Mabasa of Safa Vhembe for their contribution and their investigation into the present situation. “It is in the best interest of Safa Vhembe to disband the Thulamela LFA in order to create an environment in which Safa can begin to rebuild its structures."

Some of the members of Thulamela LFA rejected claims that their association has been placed under administration. “We have full powers, operating normally as mandated by the constitution. We are committed to work to unite the association,” said an executive member. "We need people who work for the people, not for themselves,” he said.

The president of the Vhembe Regional Football Association, Mr George Kubayi, confirmed that the league was put under administration. He added that Safa Vhembe had appointed a task team that will run the association. The association will be headed by Mr Mulimisi Muneri, chairperson of the competition committee of Safa Vhembe. He will be assisted by veterans Moses Maluleke and Hulisani Mabasa.

Attempts to reach the outgoing president of the Thulamela Local Football Association, Mr Aifheli Tshisikule, for comment were unsuccessful.