However the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) National Appeals Board (NAB) hurled a major spanner in the works when it ordered a replay after it deliberated on a case filed by BDF XI over Zambian striker Bernard Semakwezi

The dangerman was barred from playing in the first match after Rollers questioned his eligibility. However, tables have turned and now Rollers find themselves locked out of the final for failing to turn up for the replay. "This means BDF XI have complied and will proceed to the final," Coca-Cola Cup organising committee chairman, Puma Matlhware said last night. He said they will wait and see what Rollers would do next as he did not want to pre-empt what would happen if the club moves to court. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there," said Matlhware before heading for his car. Despite the failure of Rollers to pitch up, hordes of fans trooped to the National Stadium but left disappointed after the match was cancelled.

BDF XI chairman Letsogile Motsumi said that they decided to come for the game after the Botswana Football Association (BFA) informed them that the game could not be played on any date apart from yesterday. This was because the final is billed for tomorrow. "What happened here today is not only confusing to us but to the nation at large. Even the sponsors are in a difficult situation because they cannot deal with a sport, which is not well administered. We leave everything in the hands of BFA and rules are there to follow," said the army brigadier. A seemingly disappointed Motsumi said the situation is embarrassing especially to the crowd and wondered what message is being sent to them. He did not want to point a finger at anyone as he believes that the matter is sensitive.

BDF XI coach, Stanley Tshosane's comment was said that when they were ordered to replay the match, they asked BFA about the FIFA clause which says that clubs should be informed within 48 hours if they are to play. But to their dismay, they were dismissed and ordered to honour the fixture. "The other dilemma is that we don't know what is going to happen before the finals. The quality of the finals is not going to be what we expected and this is not good. I always say when you plan badly, this is what you get," said Tshosane. He added that the confusion affects Notwane as they do not know which side they will be facing tomorrow.

When contacted for comment, Rollers' managing director Somerset Gobuiwang said that they had written to BFA and they were still waiting for a response. "Until we get their formal reply, that is when we're going to comment and know which way to go," he said before hanging up. It is reported that Rollers will not let the final go ahead without their involvement. They argue that they played well and beat their opponents to book. It is alleged that today, if the BFA insists that BDF XI is in the final, Mapalastina will seek court intervention and stop the match. But taking BFA to court might land Rollers in hot soup as FIFA rules and regulations clearly state that football matters cannot be taken to court.

This mess started a fortnight ago after the 3-0 defeat of BDF XI by Rollers. BDF XI complained saying that they had been disadvantaged in the game after BFA ordered them not to use the forceful Semakwezi. Rollers were reported to be in possession of a letter from Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Lusaka Dynamos, which indicated that Semakwezi was indeed a defaulter, and belonged to Dynamos.

The matter was brought before NAB on Wednesday night. NAB through its chairman Neil Armstrong ruled that: "the BFA acted improperly and prematurely in directing that the player should not play. The board found that the BFA should have notified BDF XI of the allegations and facts on hand in respect of player's registration and warned BDF XI of the consequences of using the said player". In his ruling, Armstrong ordered that the game be replayed and the BFA to convene a meeting on the night and notified the clubs about the new development. The BFA said the game must be played last night so that the final can go ahead as planned. Both sides are reported to have informed the BFA that they could not go ahead with the match because their players were not mentally prepared. However, the BFA did not budge. Yesterday around 5pm, Rollers handed a letter to BFA informing them that they have decided not to honour the game. At Rollers' training ground in Gaborone West, it was business as usual as coach Madinda Ndlovu took his charges through their paces to prepare for the 'final' against Notwane tomorrow.

Supporters arrived at the ground and stood in small groups wondering what was going to happen. Most awaited the officials to arrive and inform them of the way forward. As they waited, one supporter asked if the replay is on and another replied: "We're not going there. BDF XI will play against BFA. We're playing Notwane on Saturday." Soon Rollers' chairman, Spencer Mmui arrived at the ground and some supporters walked towards him to get the latest news. After some minutes, coach Ndlovu, manager Charity Madisa and Mmui convened a brief meeting. The Zimbabwean coach clad in blue and gold strips, then rushed back to continue with his duties. Mmui remained mum as fans surrounded him. Another supporter called him to come and listen to Rollers' secretary Father Maphongo as he was interviewed on RB 2. Some fans rushed to their cars to listen to the radio. Maphongo said that they were not going to honour the replay and invited fans to the training. Meanwhile at the National Stadium supporters waited patiently outside the western main gate debating what is going to happen. Suddenly, the gates are opened and some whistle as they marched in. BDF XI players are busy with their warm-up and everybody wondered where Rollers' players were. One woman came towards the BDF XI bench and asked: "Where is Semakwezi?" Nobody replies. Sema-kwezi is only expected to arrive in the country today, as his wife is not well and he had to rush to South Africa to attend to her. BDF XI coach, Tshosane kept in contact with the Zambian striker last night and informed him of the new developments. At 7.15pm, a group of Rollers' supporters run into the field towards the northern goal post and 'warm-up' while BFA officials, referees and sponsors are locked in negotiations. At 7.30pm, it is decided that the game is over and BDF XI are the winners. Supporters stream out of the stadium and some point fingers at the BFA officials for their disorganisation. Some called for the sacking of the whole committee as they have proved that they do not have football interests at heart. What happens about the final will only be known today.