First Division returns to controversial Pilikwe Ground

Koketso Kgoboge | Tuesday September 5, 2017 14:30

 

The league is scheduled to kickoff this weekend.

The Palapye outfit played three matches at the venue, with two being abandoned due to some alleged eyesore scenes that engulfed the matches.

At a game involving Morupule and Sua Flamingoes, there were alleged pitch invasions scenes and stabbing of balls with knives that prompted the match officials to call off the game before time.

Morupule were at the time leading 1-0 and were later awarded the goal and three points after being cleared of any wrongdoing.

Another case was the one involving Morupule and Chobe United. The game was also abandoned after Chobe received three red cards and had an injury and that prompted stoppage of the match.

The matter is still a monkey on the back for the northern first division league committee. Two weeks ago, the Disciplinary Committee dismissed the case on the status that it was time barred. Although Chobe had previously accepted the ruling, they have gone back on their word and are pushing the case further.

A source who has been at the ground said the pitch is perfect but it is located far out of access for authorities and as thus there is a lot of deceit.

“It is a nice football ground, but it is in the bush where many people cannot travel to for First Division matches and a lot of negativity happens.

Visiting teams fight for a reason,” the source said.First Division North committee secretary general, Rapula Gaotlhobogwe said the ground cannot be blamed for the problems that are caused by individuals with unsporting behaviour.

He said it is a choice for the clubs to select their preferred home grounds as long as it is within their region.

“After Morupule chose Pilikwe (Ground) it was inspected by the referees and the ground passed inspection. There is no problem with the ground, the problem is with individuals who have agendas to disrupt the games,” he said.

“It is within their (Morupule) rights to play where they want as long as they provide security. Some matches were played there and they ended well.”

However, on the Chobe matter, new developments are that the Kasane outfit has tabled their case before the DC Appeals Board.

According to the club chairperson, Bogosing Bogosing they have been pushed away before their grievance was heard.

“The family of Chobe have now decided they cannot let the matter slip. They have vowed not to rest until we are listened to,” he said.

“If our case is taken lightly as it has been we will continue to go further to seek redress. This is not a light matter.”

BFA’s legal and compliance officer, Tumisang Hule confirmed the case was brought before the DC Appeals committee last week.