Misconduct, Violence Mar First Division Season
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday June 19, 2017 16:22
Sambandawe said this when addressing the northern league’s annual general assembly here on Saturday at Kutlwano Police Station. Despite Morupule Wanderers succeeding in their appeal, before the Botswana Football Association (BFA) appeals board, against the decision of the BFA Disciplinary Committee (DC) last week, the league is far from over.
The DC had ordered a replay in the Wanderers and Sua Flamingoes match that was played in Pilikwe. The match could not be concluded because of violence and pitch invasion, which prompted the match official to abandon the match before regulation time. Wanderers success in the appeal saw them climb to position seven in the log table ahead of Real Movers, both on 28 points, but separated on goal difference.
GNT, who would have benefited from a Wanderers loss, were thrown another lifeline thanks to Chobe United’s soft points against FC Satmos. United are on position six with 30 points and -4 goals, while GNT on a relegation threatened position nine have 27 points and -3 goals. The duo will play a decider to see who accompanies TASC, Satmos and Maun Tigers to Division One.
Sambandawe said in terms of play, the league ran smoothly but undesirable elements cropped up to disturb the momentum to throw the league into disarray. “Issues of gross misconduct and violence became an eyesore because people wanted to settle scores, and we know that there are others that were not reported and that is totally unacceptable.
We are semi-professionals and we shouldn’t be held back by such issues,” he said. “Teams should know that the statutes are there to be followed and any matter arising in their respective games no matter how aggravating should be handled through correct procedures such as protests and no one should take matters into their own hands.”
His secretary general, Rapula Gaothobogwe shared similar sentiments. He said in some instances they feel the committee is being attacked. “Instead of working together, advising each other or correcting where things did not go right, people would rather attack us personally, through the media or even write letters against us to the higher offices,” he said.
“That is not only an unsporting behaviour but also lack of respect for authority. We are here as a collective and we should take each other to task procedurally for the betterment of the game.”
Sambandawe warned teams against the growing tendencies of failing to honour fixtures and advised clubs to ensure that they file their annual returns and that they are compliant with the Register of Societies.
He said good governance amongst individual clubs could improve the chances of attracting sponsorships. He encouraged the clubs to shift focus to developing youngsters for long term sustainability. He said when given a chance the youngsters have proved they can compete in higher stages. “With the right business mentality, development could be our core business.
Let’s not deny ourselves that opportunity and let’s not deny youngsters an opportunity of growth by sticking to the old guns.”
He also encouraged clubs to work together at ensuring that going forward they clean and decorate the game so that they can hold onto their sponsor and also attract other investors both for clubs and the league.