Sundowns Win R7.9 Million Court Battle Against Pitso Mosimane’s Agency

The long-running legal standoff between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pitso Mosimane’s MT Sports has finally been settled, with the South Gauteng High Court ordering the agency to repay R7.9 million plus interest to the reigning DStv Premiership champions.

The Court’s Verdict

Judge Shaanaz Mia ruled this week that MT Sports, headed by Mosimane’s wife Moira Tlhagale, must reimburse the club for agents’ commission fees linked to Mosimane’s final contract with Sundowns. The court also ordered the defendants to cover the full trial costs.

The ruling comes almost five years after Mosimane’s dramatic departure to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in 2020, just months into a new four-year deal in Chloorkop. At the centre of the dispute was a clawback clause, which required MT Sports to return a portion of the commission if Mosimane left the club early.

Why Sundowns Took It To Court

Sundowns had initially paid MT Sports R8.6 million in commission, amounting to 10% of Mosimane’s salary package. But when the coach walked away for his high-profile Al Ahly move, the club demanded repayment.

MT Sports resisted, questioning the legality of the clause and arguing that it was unconstitutional. They also claimed the matter should have been handled by the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber rather than the High Court. Judge Mia dismissed those objections, confirming the court’s jurisdiction and upholding the clause.

The Discrimination Debate

One of the biggest talking points during the marathon hearings was an allegation of discrimination. MT Sports argued that similar clauses were not imposed on white agents, suggesting that the policy unfairly targeted them.

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, representing MT Sports, leaned heavily on this argument, but Judge Mia ultimately rejected it, noting that the clause applied regardless of gender or race.

A Legacy Overshadowed

For Sundowns fans, this case reopens the conversation about Mosimane’s legacy. Widely regarded as the most successful coach in the club’s history, Mosimane delivered 11 trophies, including their historic 2016 CAF Champions League triumph. Yet, this court battle has clouded what was once an unshakable bond between the coach and the Chloorkop faithful.

On social media, reactions have been split. Some Sundowns fans see the victory as justified business practice, while others argue that it tarnishes the image of a coach who transformed the club into a continental powerhouse.

What’s Next

The defence team, led by Advocates Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC and Eric Mabuza, has already confirmed plans to appeal the ruling, saying they believe the judgment is flawed in law.

For now, Sundowns hold the legal advantage, but the matter is far from over. With MT Sports heading back to the appeals court, this football soap opera still has more chapters to play out.

Source: SABC Sport 

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