Little interest in Chiefs' top job
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday January 22, 2021 15:47
The position will fall vacant tomorrow when Thapelo Tsheole steps down after two years at the helm. He has indicated he will not seek re-election. Chiefs have endured a troubled period and face a FIFA sanction over a P120,000 debt the club owes former coach, Philani Mabena.
There is also a leadership fight after disgruntled members, Ramocha Tsieng and Molefi 'Sexton' Kowa, demanded the club be handed over to the company, Mochudi Centre Chiefs (Pty) Ltd.
The club has known no peace since relegation from the Premiership in 2018. Their fall has largely been attributed to the internal bickering that has rocked the club for years. Following their relegation, two warring factions finally reached common ground and decided to hand the club to new management led by Tsheole. However, the latest development concerning the use of the name of the new company name has sent some supporters into panic mode while a possible FIFA expulsion looms. It comes as no surprise that no one had raised their hand, at press time, to contest for the chairperson’s position. The club's public relations officer, Pollen Makgane said they expect members to choose their preferred candidates on the day. ' We have not received any nominations at the moment. Usually, members choose their preferred candidates on the day, we usually know of the nominees on the day of the elections,' he said.
Makgane without divulging too much detail said the general membership will be updated on the club's well being by Tsheole while the financial report will also be availed on the day. He, however, refuted reports the club had been given a P120,000 cash boost by a local businessperson to help clear Mabena's debt. 'These are reports we only hear of but I can tell you that there is nothing of that sort. On Saturday, the members will elect a new committee that will lead us in the next years.
If there is anything new the members will know on Saturday,' Makgane said. He also said only 100 members will be allowed into the venue and the club will use social media streams to be in touch with the rest of the membership. 'We have two halls at that venue, each will hold 50 people. We have Molefi Senior School as an alternative in case we feel the venue is too small. We only allow 100 members as per the government protocols,' he said. There were fears the meeting could be postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations. Last week, Security Systems postponed the kit launch after failing to meet certain COVID-19 requirements.
Earlier this week, Gaborone United announced they had cancelled their AGM due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Botswana Football Association has warned clubs to comply with government restrictions on gatherings. 'Clubs must follow COVID-19 protocols with whatever they do. If the rules allow them a certain number and they comply then that it is permissible. Annual assembly usually has more than 50 people so that case they must seek permission from the authorities. We would like them to fully comply,' BFA public relations officer, Tumor Mpatane said.