Chiefs hold back players from Zebras

Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday September 9, 2015 17:01

Deadlock: Mochudi Center Chiefs are yet to make a decision regarding the release of their players including Lesego Galenamotlhale to the national team

While the Botswana Football Association (BFA) has indicated that all players are now accessible for national team call up, Chiefs have refuted that, pointing out their need to make a decision in that regard. The Zebras squad that beat Burkina Faso over the weekend did not have Mochudi Centre Chiefs players.

Zebras coach, Peter Butler had called up Chiefs players; Lesego Galenamotlhale, Lemponye Tshireletso and Kekaetswe Moloi for camp, but the Kgatleng side refused to release them.

Chiefs vowed to keep their players away from the national team duties after Butler made scathing remarks about their player, Galenamotlhale. Butler was quoted in one local newspaper saying Galenamotlhale did not deserve to be crowned last season’s Player of the Season. The club demanded apology from Butler and challenged the BFA to take action before they could release their players for national duty.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, BFA president Tebogo Sebego said the association had done its part to resolve the issue. “We did the necessary interventions because the issue was critical. BFA CEO, the coach and the Chiefs management had a meeting; everything was discussed and they came up with an agreeable solution,” he said.

Sebego further said Butler should be able to use Chiefs players now that the issue has been resolved. “The coach now has access to all players and he can call up any player he wants in the team,” he explained. Sebego, however, said Chiefs were right by taking the matter to the BFA. “BFA took the matter seriously. Chiefs were not unreasonable, their concern was legitimate,” he said. Sebego said the BFA had to hear Chiefs’ grievances because the club is affiliated to them.

He said now that the issue is resolved, he expects the club to avail their players for national team duty. “I don’t believe anyone can refuse with players. They are our players and they are registered with the BFA,” he said. Sebego added that clubs are obligated to release their players for national duty as per FIFA rules and regulations. However, Chiefs spokesperson Clifford Mogomotsi said the issue has not been resolved yet. He said they would decide on whether to release their players or not. “We met with the BFA and the coach, but at the moment we are still discussing the matter in-house,” he said. Mogomotsi pointed out that the club board would make a determination on the release of players. “The board will make a decision looking at the best interests of the club and the BFA should know our decision soon,” he said.