'Cava' cap lands Marumo in hot soup
Chakalisa Dube | Friday October 11, 2019 11:21
The former Zebras goalkeeper wore a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) branded cap during a Premier League match recently.
Galaxy spokesperson, Tankiso Morake said Marumo has apologised for his actions but will still go through the club’s internal disciplinary process.
“He said that there was no malicious intent on his part. However, he will still go through the club’s internal disciplinary process.
Those who are mandated with dealing with the technical team matters will soon call him for a disciplinary hearing, which will determine what sanctions should be imposed against him,” Morake said.
“As a club, we do not condone wearing of political attire during matches, especially from someone who has played in a professional set-up.” Morake said it was worrying that Marumo chose to wear a BDP cap despite the fact that players, executive members and technical team members are provided with club attire to wear during matches.
“Marumo also knew that he was going to give a post match interview because the coach was not available.
The match was also an evening game so there was no pressing need for him to wear the cap. As a club, we apologise for what happened. It is important to reiterate that we do not condone the wearing of political attire from our players and officials during matches or club activities,” he added.
Morake further said that with the general elections drawing nearer and the intensity of election campaigns having reached fever pitch Marumo should have known the potential consequences of wearing a BDP cap during a league match.
After the Marumo incident the Botswana Football Association (BFA) released a statement cautioning its members, officials and players against using attire that has political messages at BFA sanctioned activities.
“Article 5 of the BFA Constitution is explicit. The association is neutral and non-aligned in matters of politics and religion. The FIFA Laws of the Game state that equipment used at the matches “must not have any political, religious, or personal slogans, statements or images.”
“To this end, the association pleads with its affiliates, players and officials to keep away material carrying any political message from BFA sanctioned activities.
The BFA cannot take away the constitutional right of individuals to associate with any political party of their choice – they cannot however, show their affiliation at any BFA activity.”