PSL dismiss Thanda appeal

Johannesburg - Thanda Royal Zulu's last-ditch effort to gain promotion to the Absa Premiership ended on Wednesday after their arbitration application was dismissed.

"We are relieved that this matter has been resolved and we can now focus on the start of the new season," Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive Brand de Villiers said on Wednesday.

"Our priority right now is to plan for next week's Absa Premiership fixtures and the MTN8 competition."

Thanda finished fourth in the National First Division last season, losing out on a place in the promotion playoffs.

The PSL had ruled matches boycotted by NFD clubs at the beginning of the season would not be played, and no points would be awarded, but Thanda disputed the ruling.

The club claimed the decision was unfair and it wanted the matches in question to be replayed and points awarded accordingly.

The result of the arbitration application means Polokwane City, who were automatically promoted, and Mpumalanga Black Aces, who won the playoffs, will turn out in the top-flight campaign in the new season.

Black Leopards, who were automatically relegated, and Chippa United, who lost out in the playoffs, were demoted to the First Division.