Notwane goes to court
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday June 10, 2015 18:02
- BPL rejects postponement request
The match is scheduled for the Serowe Sports Complex this afternoon. At the time of going to press, the matter was still underway at the Gaborone High Court. Meanwhile, Notwane chairman, Arnold Somolokae had earlier yesterday told Mmegi Sport they would challenge Botswana Football Association (BFA) with everything they have. “Notwane has been subjected to harsh decisions, but we believe in the rule of law,” Somolokae said, adding they would now look into a number of options and put an urgent hearing before FIFA or the courts of law.
“NEC (National Executive Committee) is a competent body. We affiliate to BFA, but we will always contest their decisions whenever necessary,” he said. Somolokae further pointed out that Notwane would not refuse to play the match without any backup.
“We cannot foolishly refuse, that would be very irresponsible of us,” he said. Somolokae added they would seek legal aspects to back their decision in a bid to see the game suspended. He indicated they were aware of the BFA rules and regulations.
“The rules are clear but it does not mean we will be suspended if we do not play, judgments do differ,” he explained. He cited Sankoyo Bush Bucks’ case as a closer indicator.
“The FIFA rules and regulations stipulate that no team shall benefit from fielding an unregistered player, but Sankoyo benefited from such,” he cited. Somolokae was optimistic Notwane could still get away with refusing to play the match.
Somolokae said they have not decided where to launch their grievance, adding it was still an internal matter. “We will call a press conference at a later stage,” he said.
Satmos head coach, Kenneth Mogae said his team is ready to take on Notwane against all odds.
“I was briefed by the management on Tuesday and they told me to go ahead and assemble the players for this important match.”
Mogae said he could not delve internal Notwane matters, but will only concentrate on his squad. “We have always been ready because we knew we will face Notwane in the play-off match,” he said. Mogae indicated that they were no injuries and everyone in the squad was available for selection. Botswana Premier League (BPL) chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi confirmed that the game would go ahead as planned. “This is a properly scheduled match, the game is on and we will go ahead regardless of who shows up or not,” he said. Mamelodi said they had received information from Notwane asking for the game to be postponed. “That would not happen. The game starts at 330pm at the Serowe Sports Complex. This is a big game,” he said.