Sankoyo drop threat to boycott game
Boniface Keakabetse | Friday May 12, 2017 11:52
Sankoyo are demanding P60,000 from the BPL claiming losses incurred when they travelled to fulfil a fixture against Lions that was cancelled.
Sankoyo deputy chairman, Onalenna Dithakanyane had said if they were not paid P36,000, which they incurred as travel costs for their match against Gilport, they will not bother to fulfil tomorrow’s fixture.
The other P24,000 is an outstanding figure from the cancelled opening day fixture against Green Lovers. The BPL Disciplinary Committee ordered that two games Gilport did not play against Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Sankoyo should be replayed.
But Dithakanyane said the BPL had responded saying if they do not fulfil the fixture, action would be taken. He said they had consulted their lawyer who advised them to play tomorrow’s game.
Dithakanyane had earlier said they did not have a problem playing the game, although it was not their fault, but the BPL should pay first. He said they received communication they are playing Gilport on Tuesday.
Dithakanyane said they immediately responded, asking BPL to reimburse them, so that they are able to play Gilport and BDF XI on Tuesday. He said what makes it worse is that BPL still owes them P24,000 for the cancelled match against Green Lovers.
The first game of the season was called off after referees failed to show up and BPL promised to foot the bill for expenses incurred. BPL acting chief executive officer, Thabo ‘Styles’ Ntshinogang said they had received communication from Sankoyo on the matter and his office had responded, although he refused to divulge the exchanges.
Sankoyo’s financial woes have been well documented this season. On Monday, players failed to pitch up for training again complaining about unpaid salaries.
After playing Gilport, Sankoyo are scheduled to play BDF XI on Tuesday. They also have a date with Nico United away in Selebi-Phikwe and a home game against Police XI.
The team is 12th with 29 points with relegation a grim possibility.