On Saturday Marumo Gallants sent a press release that they may not take part in the CUFA Cup against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, 13th October.
However, shortly after that, Gallants sent another press release where they confirmed their participation in the one-day tournament, which was eventually won by Chiefs on penalties.
READ: Gayton McKenzie: In Millions! VAR To SA Cost Revealed
Insiders close to both clubs have indicated that the main problem was believed to be the disagreement on the distribution of the participation money shared between the two clubs.
The sources alleged that Chiefs were offered more in participation money than Gallants which didn't sit well with the Free State based side hence they needed clarity and a change of contract from the CUFA organisers which finally happened. So, the game then went ahead.
"It was hard on Marumo. The money they were supposed to receive for their participation was much lower than what Chiefs were promised. That didn't sit well with them and that's why they wanted to pull out of the cup but things were finally sorted on Saturday night and a new contract was signed on Sunday morning. That's why the game went ahead. It could have been an embarrassment to the organisers if the game didn't go ahead," the Siya source stated.
Even though he could not confirm the issue of finances, Gallants spokesperson Sello Nduna told Soccer Laduma that there were disagreements on the issue of the contract between the organisers and the club, which is why they almost pulled out on Saturday night.
READ: ISSUE: Nabi Reveals 'Big Problem' At Chiefs
"We don't know what the contract between Kaizer Chiefs and the organisers was but for us to say we were not ready to play was because there was contractual disputes in the contract that we signed with the organisers. We raised those concerns, and when they were not met we indicated that we won't be able to play against Chiefs. But on Sunday around 8:00am we sat around the table and sorted the contractual disputes and we agreed that the game will go ahead as it did. That's what I can tell you," Nduna told the Siya crew.
Meanwhile Nduna cleared the confusion, as to why Chiefs were crowned champions before silver medalists Madumo Gallants could receive their prizes.
"What happened was not normal in terms of medal presentation but it happened like that because Chiefs requested to receive their medals and trophy first as they were rushing to the airport as their flight was scheduled for an early fly away. So we had to accommodate that and that's why things happened the way they happened," Nduna clarified the situation to Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile Soccer Laduma contacted CUFA Cup organising committee CEO Ben Moseme who could neither confirm nor deny the money issues between them and Marumo Gallants.
"Unfortunately I am restricted by confidentiality clauses not to disclose business agreements. It will also be unprofessional and unethical to discuss business agreements with third parties. Have a great day and thanks a lot for always promoting our Cup," Moseme told the Siya crew.
Soccer Laduma contacted Marumo Gallants for comment on the situation but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
