Premier League chaos touches new lows
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday June 2, 2015 12:04
The red flags were already raised when the Premier League season cluttered to a close despite numerous unresolved protests. Since then, the pendulum has ludicrously swung from one end to the other with the relegation quagmire much more vexing with each passing minute.
Since last week Friday, the log standings have changed no less than three times, but the puzzle has still not been cracked.
The cat was set among the pigeons the moment authorities at Lekidi Centre allowed the on-field action to conclude, while protests were pending.
At the centre of the storm is Sankoyo Bush Bucks ginger haired striker, Morris Rudzivo’s registration. Satmos, two points below Notwane in the battle for the decisive relegation spot, won a case against Sankoyo last week Friday.
This triggered a series of catastrophic events with far reaching ramifications. The BPL board was forced into an emergency meeting yesterday, while the BFA executive also had to convene in a desperate effort to solve the puzzle.
The outcome of the protest meant Satmos leapfrog Notwane into position 13, with 32 points.
However, the points were insufficient to save Satmos, as the other three were soft points. This meant Notwane and Satmos meet in a relegation decider. However, the two, who have strong representation in the Premier League executive committee, briefly survived after it was suggested points be taken away from Sankoyo for every game Rudzivo featured.
Sankoyo were docked 29 points, but this move was deemed illegal as per the constitution, as only the Premier League board is the only structure, which can make such a determination.
On Sunday, the board reversed the executive committee decision. Notwane’s Arnold Semolokae is the chairperson, while Satmos chairperson, Monnakgotla Mojaki is his vice. Both have vested interest in the matter. Sunday’s board meeting was described as chaotic and Mamelodi could not stomach the developments and tendered his resignation early yesterday to trigger a crisis.
Sources said that Mamelodi’s departure was a culmination of months of frustration.
Before Mamelodi threw in the towel, Semolokae had reportedly threatened to quit but reversed his decision. “There are bigger issues. The media is to blame. Dubious characters have been elevated into cult status when they are bringing the game down. There is serious need for introspection if football is to get back on track,” a source close to developments said.
Deep-seated divisions reportedly led to Mamelodi’s departure although the administrator is said to be open to a return if the situation normalises. “He held a different view regarding the handling of the protest matters,” added the source.