BFA warns players over social games
Chakalisa Dube | Friday July 31, 2020 12:36
BFA spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane condemned the practice of players defying the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, with which football activities remain suspended.
“They are bringing the name of the association into disrepute. Players should wait until such a time when football is allowed.
The association will take strong action against players who will be found to be taking part in social football. That is totally unacceptable,” Mpatane said.
In areas like Tati Siding, Monarch and Bluetown, social football is playing, in violation of COVID-19 regulations. Some First Division players take part in the games.
Police have also warned against the practice.
Tati Town station commander, superintendent Edward Leposo said they were yet to get formal complaints, but said they would deal with violators if caught. “We recently had to dispatch our team to Mathangwane village after we received reports that some of the residents in the village were playing social football,” Leposo said.
“They were strongly cautioned against doing so, but let me emphasise that we will now not extend any leniency to those who will be caught breaching COVID-19 regulations by playing social football. Now that it appears this might be a popular trend, we will improve our visibility within our policing area to curb it.”
Central police station commander, superintendent Lebalang Maniki also said he was unaware of people engaging in social soccer in his policing area.
“It is possible that those who might be playing football choose playing fields that are strategically located in areas where they cannot easily attract members of the public and law enforcement officers.
We will increase our visibility, especially in areas where we believe that it is possible for people to stage activities such as social football without being easily seen,” Maniki said.