Shareholders renew calls for Zakhem to step down
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday March 16, 2024 06:00
In a letter addressed to the Botswana Football Association (BFA), some BFL shareholders indicated that Zakhem should vacate office as he had failed to comply with legal obligations stemming from resolutions made during a meeting in Palapye on December 16, 2023.
The letter dated March 7 and received by the BFA on Monday this week, was addressed to the association's chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo. “As you are aware Mr Nicholas Zakhem and Mr Jagdish Shah applied for an interdict for setting aside the shareholders resolutions of the Palapye 16th December 2023 meeting.
The High Court granted them the interdict on condition that they file an application with the High Court challenging these resolutions in 21 days. The 21 days elapsed on the 29th of February and there is no application filed with the High Court. Therefore, the resolution of the 16th of December 2023 stands,” read the shareholders' letter.
During the December meeting, the BFL shareholders sanctioned Zakhem's removal from his position as chairperson, installing Godfrey Ratlhaga as his successor. Similarly, Shah was ousted as one of the directors, with Tumelo Mariri Toteng stepping in to fill the vacancy.
Zakhem contested his removal at the High Court, leading to the granting of an interdict in his favour. This week Zakhem remained resolute in his commitment to leading the BFL, amidst the challenges. “Unfortunately, I’ve not received any letter or notification to that effect (to step down), the nonetheless BFA has long declared that the December 16 meeting was unconstitutional, and they don’t recognise it.
So, my advice is, let them focus on playing football," Zakhem told MmegiSport. Mfolo said that he was unaware of the shareholder's letter, despite the letter carrying a BFA stamp acknowledging receipt. “Good morning, I have not received such a letter,” was Mfolo’s response yesterday.
The feuding between the BFL shareholders and Zakhem has attracted the attention of the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC), which recently appointed a commission to investigate the issue. BFL shareholders have often accused Zakhem of making unilateral decisions regarding the running of the league without their input. Zakhem argues he is doing so in line with the constitution.