Notwane Blunders Again

By Boitumelo Khutsafalo
Staff Writer | Monday December 10, 2007 00:00

 

The Mascom Premier League game between Notwane and ECCO City Greens at the UB Stadium on Saturday was cancelled because of poor security. The onus of providing security fell on Notwane as the home side. Speaking to Monitor Sport after the cancellation, Notwane assistant manager, Philip Nkabelang said that the security company they hired for the job let them down. He said that the company notified them that they knew about the arrangements late. He said that they tried to look for another security service provider 20 minutes before kick off, but the one they got could only provide four security men. He said that they tried to assure the referees that whatever happens, they (Notwane) would be responsible. But the match officials, Machine Dintwa, Tirelo Mositwane, Lekgotla Johannes and Moora Silas declined to go ahead with the game. Nkabelang conceded that Notwane was wrong in failing to provide enough security but the referees should have been reasonable. He said that Notwane was ready to provide personnel to help the security guards available.

After the cancellation, ECCO City Greens' manager, Onneetse Matebejana said they are disappointed because they prepared for the game and spent money to travel from Francistown. Notwane is likely to be fined P15,000 for the cancellation. This was not the first time that Notwane has failed to provide enough security for a match. Last season, their game against relegated Prisons XI in Molepolole was cancelled for similar reasons.