Black Leopards Football Club have been fined an amount of R40 000 by the Premier Soccer League’s disciplinary committee during its meeting that was held last Thursday.

The reason for the fine is that they arrived late at their league match against Supersport United that was played at the Super Stadium in Pretoria three weeks ago.

According the league’s prosecutor, Mr Zola Majavu, Lidoda Duvha contravened the league’s rules and regulations by arriving at the stadium 15 minutes before the kick-off time. According to the rules and regulations of the league, teams must be in the dressing rooms at least one hour before kick off time.

Apart from their late arrival, Black Leopards were also charged with failure to bring along an alternative kit. The committee found them guilty as charged and fined them an amount of R40 000 which is payable within 30 days from the date of the committee meeting.

Black Leopards collected full points in the controversial match as Supersport suffered a 0-2 defeat. The Leopards’ goals were both scored by Mulondo Sikhwivhilu.

The managing director of Black Leopards, Mr David Thidiela, said that they were going to file an appeal against what he called “a harsh sanction”.

According to him, his boys did not arrive at the stadium 15 minutes before the kick off time as charged. He indicated that the disciplinary committee’s argument was based on unproven allegations.

The Thohoyandou outfit will travel to the Free State Province tomorrow. They will meet the relegation candidates, Free State Stars, at the Goblepark Stadium in Bethlehem. Their final league fixture will be played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on May 5. They will host Ajax Cape Town.

In the meantime, the club has suspended their Swaziland international, Sibusiso Dlamini, following allegations of misconduct. Dlamini was suspended from taking part in the activities of the team with effect from last Monday. He was due to appear before the club’s Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday evening. The outcome of the hearing was still pending at the time of going to press.