Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns top striker Katlego Mphela appeared before a disciplinary hearing held at Chloorkop on Monday afternoon.

According to a statement in Sundowns' website, he was charged, inter alia, with being AWOL from 20 January until 15 February 2011 and for breaching his contract by making various adverse comments in the media without following proper channels.

Mphela pleaded guilty to all the charges and has received the harshest penalty ever imposed by the club, short of a dismissal.

He showed remorse for his actions and he understands the reason for the severe sanction.

This matter is now behind us and Katlego can focus solely on football again, the statement concluded.

The club refused to reveal details of the punishment saying they won't go public and that the matter is closed.