BPL issues warning on club offices

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday August 6, 2010 00:00

 

Despite an agreement at a recent Premier League retreat, most clubs remain without offices. Setete said a memo was sent to clubs this week reminding them about the office requirement. 'We agreed during a retreat at Mokolodi that clubs should have an office before the start of the season. We are not compromising on that. No one has come to us to give reasons why they have not set-up an office,' he said. He stated that clubs initially raised financial concerns but the BPL and Premier League Committee's (PLC) expectation is that all clubs should have an office.

At least eight of the 16 clubs have managed to get offices with Kgatleng side, Mochudi Centre Chiefs being the latest to join the list. Former champions, Gaborone United (GU) have probably the best run office in the Premier League. The office started with one staff member but now has four full time employees.

Township Rollers recently announced that they have secured an office in Gaborone's Main Mall. They join other clubs such as ECCO City Greens, Motlakase, Uniao Flamengo Santos and new comers, Black Peril. Selebi-Phikwe side, Nico United hinted two seasons back that they had found an office but to date nothing has materialised. TAFIC of Francistown are in the process of completing their club house. Their vice-chairperson, Livert Ntwaagae said they are on track to comply with the requirements of the Bosele Declaration.

'We are right on track. We identified a spacious space in Francistown where we are building our club house. It should be complete at the end of the month,' he said.

Phuthego said it is important for clubs to have their own offices. 'You cannot move forward if you run the club from someone's house. Look at GU. They are doing well, even managing to sell their merchandise from the office,' he said.

Meanwhile, the BPL sealed next season's  broadcasting deal with the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) yesterday.The deal worth P4.5 million would see clubs receiving improved grants. Phuthego said the DBS and the BPL are working on an arrangement to cover games in the north.

Matches in the north were not screened live last season and the BPL and DBS are keen to rectify this. The new agreement will see the BPL receive part of the P4.5 million before the season starts with another portion paid out at the end of the first round. The balance will be disbursed at the end of the season.