Hopeful Notwane keep fingers crossed
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday August 12, 2016 14:52
Notwane were recently slapped with a two-year suspension from all football activities for taking football matters to court. The other year was suspended provided the team does not repeat the same offence.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport this week, Notwane outgoing president, Batshani Ndaba said they have tried to convince delegates not to approve the NEC decision.
He said all the delegates they have talked to are also shocked at the decision taken by the NEC as it is unconstitutional. “We have written another letter pleading with delegates besides the press statement we issued so that they do not ratify this decision,” he said.
Ndaba said the delegates they engaged are of the view that the NEC decision is illegitimate because they have been punished twice for the same offence.
The NEC decision will need 75% votes to be ratified at the general assembly.
Ndaba said for now they are still holding onto their players to see if the general assembly can give them a lifeline.
“We have already received offers from different teams regarding our players, but we have told them we cannot do anything for now since we are still awaiting the general assembly decision.
If the assembly ratifies the NEC decision then we will definitely listen to offers because we cannot hold onto players without paying them,” he said.
The issue started last year when Notwane dragged the association before the High Court over the registration of former Sankoyo Bush Bucks striker, Morris Ruzivo. Ruzivo was declared a defaulter after FC Satmos protested that his registration was improper. Satmos were awarded three points and two goals.
Notwane then took the matter to courts after the decision by the BFA NEC not to award them points as well despite Ruzivo having played against them.
BFA NEC at the time explained that Notwane and other teams did not lodge protests and therefore could not benefit.
Notwane’s case was however dismissed by the High Court and went on to appeal the matter where they also lost with costs.