Mantserre Young Lions Left in Limbo Despite Legal Status Transfer
image: SABC sport
by Lwandiso Simanga
Mantserre Young Lions find themselves stuck on the sidelines of the ABC Motsepe League despite spending nearly R200,000 preparing for the 2025/26 season. More than 30 players remain stranded as uncertainty deepens around SAFA North West’s handling of the club’s league status.
Young Lions legally acquired the ABC Motsepe League status from Lerumo Lions of Bethanie, who now compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after purchasing Pretoria Callies’ status. Documents seen by SABC Sport including the sale agreement, contract, registration forms, and a letter of good standing confirm that the name change to Mantserre Young Lions was officially authorised on 6 September 2025.
Yet SAFA North West has continued to fixture Lerumo Lions instead. On the MySAFA platform, Lerumo Lions still appear at the bottom of the Stream A log with zero matches played, even as other clubs have completed six to eight fixtures.
In a letter dated 21 November 2025, SAFA NW Provincial Executive Officer Mpho Matsi stated that the association would “proceed with the current league fixture, which includes Lerumo Lions FC,” adding that all teams must be “formally registered.” This comes despite Young Lions submitting their registration documents in September.
Lerumo Lions have since reiterated the validity of the status transfer, confirming they no longer compete in the ABC Motsepe League and urging SAFA North West to register Mantserre Young Lions as the rightful participants. The club says all documents, fees, and affiliation requirements have been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Mantserre Young Lions have been fully operational since August. The club assembled a squad, secured accommodation, provided daily transport to training, and covered food, toiletries, medical assessments, and physiotherapy. A complete technical team is also contracted and housed by the club.
With player registrations having closed on 14 November, Young Lions now face the possibility of being unable to register their squad even if SAFA North West eventually grants them entry, leaving the club’s future, and the livelihoods of its players, in jeopardy.