The Premier Soccer League's (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has announced that the hearing between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates concerning player Siphelele Mthembu has been postponed until 25 August.

Chiefs and Pirates are involved in a contractual dispute over Mthembu, with both clubs claiming that the player belongs to them.

According to media reports, the former Maritzburg City striker signed a pre-contract with Pirates - but changed his mind and signed a three-year contract with Chiefs, with whom he has featured prominently in the pre-season tournaments.

But Pirates have since registered Mthembu as one of their players for the 2008/09 Absa Premiership season.

"There were a number of preliminary arguments which had to be disposed of first and thereafter the matter was postponed to 25 August 2008 for further hearing," read a statement issued by the DRC.

"In the interim, both parties must exchange further documents between themselves and that must be concluded prior to 25 August 2008.

"On that date the hearing will resume and proceed until the matter is finalised," the statement continued.

"I request the parties concerned as well as the members of the public to respect the independence of the league's judicial bodies and await their ruling when they are in a position to do so," said PSL Prosecutor Zola Majavu.