First Division North clubs told to focus
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday January 8, 2015 11:31
The second round kicks-off on January 24 a week after the original January 17 date.
Olopeng told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the League Committee convened a meeting on Sunday to evaluate the first round.
He said they normally have a non-eventful first round but issues rise in the second round because of the tough contest for promotion and relegation.
He explained that the committee has decided to invite clubs for a meeting before the league resumes.
Olopeng said the meeting is meant to iron out various issues that clubs might be having and to give guidance. He added that they expect the league to be concluded in March.
“The main challenge that we are facing is lack of playing grounds. The grounds we are using belong to other people and in some instances, we are unable to play because of the unavailability of grounds,” he said.
Olopeng said they intend to have a meeting with the northern region and chairman of national referees commission. He explained that the meeting is meant to give the match officials a platform to express their concerns and talk about the treatment they get from clubs during matches. He said there are some instances where match officials are ill-treated or clubs are against some decisions and the meeting will be an opportunity to talk about such issues and seek solutions.
The First Division League received a boost of a P6 million sponsorship from Debswana Mining Company in 2013. Under the three-year sponsorship, P2 million is disbursed annually. Olopeng expressed concern that the sponsor is not receiving the necessary mileage.
He said that they have suggested a meeting with the sponsor and coming up with marketing strategies. He added that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) is handling the matter.
Meanwhile, Serowe teams, Miscellaneous and Green Lovers are leading the First Division North League log followed by Mahalapye Hotspurs.