Clubs divided as legal battle looms
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 19, 2020 13:56
BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti declared the season closed on Sunday, which saw Jwaneng Galaxy crowned champions while the trio of Molepolole City Stars, TAFIC and Jwaneng Galaxy relegated to the First Division.
Masitaoka and Sua Flamingoes have been promoted as Mogoditshane Fighters and Nico United are headed for a playoff tie. But relegated TAFIC want answers from the authorities.
“We respect the decision, but it does not mean we agree to it. We are challenging the decision through the right channels. We do not want to take the matter to court, that is not how football is played,” TAFIC chairperson, Carlos Sebina said.
“We believe the decision taken can be reversed, so we want a document from BFA on how they arrived at such a decision, but really we do not want to take the matter to court.”
Miscellaneous communications manager, Edwin Ntau said they were surprised the BFA rushed to make a decision.
He said the club has voted to nullify the season while they would be taking the matter to the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).
“As a club, we said that the best decision to make is to nullify the league. We were waiting for the BFA to give us feedback on how the rest of teams voted, but instead we were surprised to see the (BFA) president on television saying that the league would not be completed,” Ntau said.
“We are against that decision. You cannot finish the league with 10 games remaining, it is just too much, you cannot do that. This Saturday we are having a meeting as a club and after the meeting I can tell you that we will definitely go to the DRC. We believe the BFA is acting on emotions. We, as a club want the results of how clubs voted, but despite the outcome of the results, we will go to the DRC, we will map a way forward this Saturday to see how we will approach this.”
Orapa United’s spokesperson, Kabo William said the BFA's decision was in the best interest of the game and the club is behind the decision.
“As a team we are fine with how things rolled out and as members of the association, we believe the NEC decision was in the best interest of football. We all wanted the league to end,” William said.
Security Systems’ public relations officer, Zolani Kraai said the club is to meet and discuss the decision.
“We are yet to meet and discuss a way forward,” he said. BDF XI and former champions, Township Rollers, have backed BFA’s decision, and even congratulated the new champions, Jwaneng Galaxy.