Johannesburg – The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has raised concerns about the welfare of Siwelele players following threats of contract terminations and demanding travel schedules.
Siwelele have struggled on and off the field since acquiring SuperSport United in the off-season, winning only one of their opening eight Betway Premiership matches. On Sunday, club chairman Calvin Le John announced the departure of CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse after their lives were allegedly threatened. He also indicated that several players could be released for not demonstrating enough commitment to Lehlohonolo Seema’s squad.
SAFPU criticised Siwelele’s decision to require players to travel from Gauteng to Bloemfontein for home games as part of the club’s acquisition deal. The union described the 600km travel mandate as “reckless,” warning that long road trips compromise player recovery, increase fatigue, and raise the risk of injury.
The union also stressed that contractual terminations must follow fair and transparent processes, adding that dismissing players for perceived lack of motivation undermines their professionalism and dignity. SAFPU’s statement referenced both the NSL Handbook and FIFA standards, which require clubs to prioritise player welfare over financial convenience.
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