Rollers Back On Top As Okaile Faces DC
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday May 16, 2016 14:30
Okaile had instructed the Botswana Premier League (BPL) acting chief executive officer (CEO), Kitso Kemoeng to deduct 10 points from Township Rollers. The instruction followed BFA DC’s ruling in which they found Nato’s registration improper. The DC ordered that Gilport Lions be awarded three points and two goals. Rollers then lodged an appeal, demanding to know how the decision to dock them 10 points came about.
The BFA on Friday then convened and set aside Okaile’s order. The DC then referred protests by Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Miscellaneous and Police XI back to the BPL DC for hearing. It also ordered that the BPL DC hear and pass judgement within seven days from Friday. “The BPL log standings shall only be released after the protests procedures in relation to protests mentioned have been concluded,” the BFA DC ruled on Friday. The DC also found Okaile, as the acting BPL board chairperson’s conduct unsporting and ordered that he appear for disciplinary hearing over his decision. Okaile was roped in as an acting chairperson after Walter Kgabung was recalled recently.
The Friday decision has since thrown the league into further confusion with Chiefs already crowned champions last week. Magosi finished on top with 64 points after the deduction of 10 points from Rollers and received medals and the trophy.
The latest decision now leaves Rollers at the top of the log standings with 67 points. Rollers have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) challenging the BFA decision to declare Nato a defaulter.
The BPL DC had initially dismissed Gilport Lions’ protest and declared Nato’s registration proper before Lions succeeded at the BFA DC.