Chobe relegated after losing appeal
Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday August 24, 2017 16:24
The Chobe United and Wanderers game that was played in Pilikwe was called off before full time as the Kasane side’s players had received three red cards and one was injured.
Chobe argued it was not their fault that the game was halted, and therefore, demanded a replay. But they lost the case, and Chobe were ordered to play Great North Tigers in a relegation play-off decider. Chobe lost 2-1, but played under protest, maintaining their innocence in the Wanderers case. The case was heard on Tuesday and Chobe lost. The legal and compliance officer at BFA, Tumisang Hule said the case was dismissed on account of time.
“The case was dismissed on regulation 10.1.3 of the BFA play rules and regulations, which state that appeals to the DC should be lodged in writing within 10 days after the decision of the lower body.”
“According to the submissions of the First Division North League committee their ruling on the matter was made on April 29 and Chobe’s appeal was tendered at the beginning of August therefore the appeal was rendered time barred and dismissed,” he said.
Chobe’s chairman, Bogosing Bogosing said they have accepted their fate although they still feel they were deprived of what they worked hard for. He said they will regroup and mount a challenge for a return to the First Division next season. “We have invested a lot in our first season in the First Division and we are satisfied with how we carried ourselves to be able to finish in a respectable position six,” he said.
“We feel we have been robbed, but we will regroup and return a more better side. We are now aware of what it takes to compete in the First Division and we will prepare for that.” Meanwhile, the First Division North will hold a meeting to discuss the new season expected to start on September 2. The meeting will be at Kutlwano Police Station in Francistown.