Zebras boycott ends as BNSC intervenes
Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 27, 2016 09:51
On Wednesday, BNSC chief executive officer, Falcon Sedimo drove to Francistown to meet the team and the technical staff.
“Sedimo drove all the way to Francistown as a sign of our commitment to resolve the matter.
The minister (of youth, sport and culture, Thapelo Olopeng) said we should resolve the matter and he is unequivocal that they should be given what they deserve,” BNSC chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng said yesterday.
The players accused the Botswana Football Association (BFA) of reneging on an earlier promise to pay allowances for the Lesotho practice match, while the association said its coffers are dry to meet the players’ obligations.
The players had previously boycotted training over unpaid allowances but returned to the pitch after meeting Sedimo and BFA CEO, Kitso Kemoeng last week. Sedimo was once again called to travel north on Wednesday in a bid to break the impasse. “The minister engaged me and the BFA president (Tebogo Sebego).
He was clear that the players have to be paid accordingly. The BNSC CEO then travelled to Francistown to meet the players together with the technical team and the meeting was successful.
The players are not asking for too much. It appears there was communication breakdown (between the BFA and the players),” Reikeletseng said.
Despite this week’s setback, coach Peter Butler remained upbeat.
“The boys are positive. They just had a positive and enthusiastic session. We move forward with a positive mental attitude,” Butler said.
The players returned to training yesterday as they prepare for an important Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda at the Francistown Sports Complex on June 4.
The Zebras friendly against Malawi on Sunday was cancelled yesterday.