BPL seeks bailout, rules out return
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday May 8, 2020 15:31
The relief fund is meant to assist companies and BPL chairperson, Seiphetlho Sefhako said clubs might not benefit as the majority are registered as societies or trusts. It is for this reason that the BPL has applied under a special dispensation for individual relief.
“We asked the minister (of Youth Empowerment, Culture and Sport Development) to review and assist us at athlete individual level. The clubs have not benefited from the relief fund, but this is the approach we want,” he said. “The fund, like the government said, is aimed at assisting business entities, but how many of our clubs are registered as companies? We are hoping that the minister can hear our plea, this will benefit the players more than the club itself.”
Sefhako said despite the government relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions, there would be no immediate return to action. He said clubs do not have the financial capacity to ensure a safer working environment.
“We are still far to think about that. We are waiting on a directive from the government to know when the league would resume. The main issue is that our clubs do not have the financial muscle to return to training soon. The clubs would need to test players before training could resume,” he said.
“The league (office) and the clubs do not have that budget. We would need testing kits, thermometres and those things do not come cheap. So as things stand, we are not even thinking about resuming the league until we are given the green light by government.” Sefhako said they are aware of the financial implications of non-activity, but has said that players’ health and safety was the main priority.
“We cannot risk people's lives here. Yes, our clubs are suffering but there is nothing we can do. If we could, the league would resume as soon as possible, but in this matter we remain powerless, it is out of our hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) recently announced they remain keen to finish the current season. This could bring a change in the local football season calendar. The local league season is left with 13 rounds of football before completion.