BPL denies Palapye Ground ban

Thato Kala | Friday March 14, 2014 14:42

 

He said the move was influenced by the hosts’ desire to make more money from the game.  “The decision to move the next game to Selebi-Phikwe was because they felt they could make a bit of money there since it is a midweek game,” explained Mamelodi.

He said a decision to ban the pitch would be premature because it is not known when the rains that made it too soggy for a game of football last weekend would end.

But Chiefs’ communications manager, Clifford Mogomotsi has said the use of the facility has been suspended.  Chiefs’ complained earlier this week after the initial fixture against Motlakase was cancelled because the pitch was muddy. They anticipated that use of the ground should be suspended and they should be refunded for the expenses incurred traveling for the cancelled game.

The pitch was in a terrible condition after rains last weekend, forcing match officials to call off the match. Palapye Premiership outfit Motlakase and their Serowe neighbours, Miscellaneous use the Palapye Swallows Ground for home games.

The BPL has repeatedly said it meets the minimum requirements though it has no ablution or terraces.  Meanwhile, Mogomotsi said they expected the BPL to take Chiefs’ concerns seriously in future.

Chiefs had warned the BPL that it would rain last weekend based on the weather report, but they were told to travel for the game.

“They (BPL) don’t want to take the blame. But in future we need them to be proactive.”