Chippa United are being investigated for allegedly breaking the lockdown regulations by practicing in groups, the South African Football Association (SAFA) have confirmed.
Under Level 3 regulations in the country, contact sport has been given the green light to start training in anticipation of a possible restart of respective leagues.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has only released released the document of the protocols for club's to return to training this week titled the NSL Directive on Return to Training.
PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala has informed clubs that they can return to training on Wednesday, as long as they comply with health regulations.
According to TimesLIVE, Chippa have reportedly already started group training in Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth under the supervision of coach Rulani Mokwena.
SAFA have taken notice of this and have launched an investigation into the matter.
"We are investigating this issue which has come to our attention, once we have got the facts, we will issue a statement," said SAFA spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi.
Chippa, meanwhile, confirmed they have begun their own internal investigation into the matter.
"I am going to investigate this matter internally and whoever is found to have broken the rules and regulations will be brought to book," said Chippa chief operating officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi.
Mokwena faces an uncertain future at the Chilli Boys as the club is known to have little patience with underperforming coaches.
United are six points above bottom side Black Leopards, with six games left to play should the season be completed, and are not guaranteed of safety in South Africa’s top-flight.
"The coach's contract is coming to an end this month, along with quite a number of other employees including the players," Mzinzi said.
"We are sitting as the club and looking into all of those things. In particular, the renewal of the coach's contract is not a decision that we will take alone, we will have to take the decision with Orlando Pirates (who loaned him to Chippa). But we are looking into these things and we will issue a statement soon."
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