BLOEMFONTEIN – Bloemfontein Celtic coach Luc Eymael was ordered to return to his previous employers, Polokwane City, by the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) on Tuesday.
The DRC states the reasons for his resignation early last month are not convincing, but Phunya Sele Sele will likely appeal the decision.
In a lengthy document sent to the Celtic offices, Eymael, who signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Free State-based outfit in the same week he quit his job at City, was told to make his way back to Limpopo.
The two clubs have been at loggerheads about the Belgian coach, with City reportedly seeking a R2.8-milliion compensation for Eymael’s abrupt resignation, while also dragging him to the DRC. The case had been postponed several times until Tuesday’s ruling and the PSL had decided not to register the coach, barring him from being in the dugout during official matches as well as a last Monday’s live broadcast of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal draw, where Celtic were drawn to face Orlando Pirates this Saturday night.
“We are still studying the document and will revert back on what options to go forward with. One of them is that we can appeal the decision taken by the DRC. I think we have seven days to appeal, but I will have to confirm with our lawyers,” said Celtic chief executive Khumbulani Konco.
Eymael has been taking the team through their paces since arriving at the club last month having managed to extend his work permit, but with the league refusing to grant him registration while the case is still pending, the Belgian has watched crucial league and cup matches from the stands.
Last week he was quoted saying there is a conspiracy to drive him out of the country. He was adamant when he resigned that it was almost unbearable working for City, claiming that chairman Johnny Mogaladi interfered in technical team matters.
One of the examples he used was that striker and key player Thobani Mncwango was bizarrely suspended without Eymael being informed, costing them the bite they needed upfront. City are still enjoying the fruits of Eymael’s hard work having guided them to eighth place on the Premiership table before his departure, while Celtic are in 13th position and desperate to avoid relegation.
@superjourno