Notwane Insist They Fully Complied

Staff Writer | Monday September 13, 2021 16:00

Notwane were among the five Premier League sides that were recently found to have failed to comply with club licensing requirements by the FIB.

Together with Mogoditshane Fighters, Mahalapye Railways Highlanders, Gilport Lions and Extension Gunners they were denied license to form part of the elite league. However, following their appeals, the five clubs were given a reprieve by the Appeals Body but warned of the consequences lying ahead if they fail to comply next season.

Following the reprieve, Notwane issued a statement saying they welcome the decision to allow the club and others to participate in the coming season. They also said while the BFA indicated that the clubs have been given a reprieve, the club’s position is that the verdict or outcome of the appeal ought to have preceded the reprieve. “Our position as Notwane is that we have fully complied with the requirements of Club Licensing and that the FIB was wrong in its findings hence our appeal. We maintain that our appeal was meritorious and on the strength of the facts and evidence presented, the appeal ought to succeed,” the club said in a statement.

Notwane further said their participation in the 2021/2022 league season should not be based on a 'reprieve' but rather appeal success. They said they had anticipated a written judgment from the Appeals Body addressing the substance of their appeal based on the merits of their case. “Whilst the 'reprieve' affords Notwane an opportunity to play in the next season, the manner in which it unfolded places the team in a bad light and classifies it as a 'non compliant' club, something which the team disputes.We have been advised that a written communication will be issued to the team.

We await the contents thereof to enable us to raise the above concerns formally,” the club said. Notwane were also among the other clubs which were docked points last season over compliance issues.