Letlapeng cry foul over changed fixture

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 12, 2010 00:00

Initially, the game was supposed to be played at Siga where the Ramotswa side would have enjoyed home ground  advantage but the organisers switched it to Molepolole this week at the request of the sponsors.

According to Letlapeng president Jimmy Kereng, they have written to the tournament’s organising committee protesting the new arrangement.

“We believe that there was no consultation in this matter. We feel it wasn’t fair because there are alot of things to be taken into consideration when changing the venue. The worst part is that we were only informed on Tuesday,” he said. Kereng further said that they have made a proposal to the Coke Cup committee that if they insist on moving the game to Molepolole, the organisers should arrange that Letlapeng trains at the match venue and have a feel of the artificial turf.

Coca-Cola Cup committee chairman Tips Kelesitse confirmed that they have received a letter of complaint from Letlapeng but said they have addressed the matter. “We’ve agreed on a compromise because it is something beyond our control. The sponsors want the game to be shown on Botswana Television (Btv) and this is not the first case this year. In the last round, Comets were supposed to play Gunners in Jwaneng but at the request of the sponsors, we had to move the game to Molepolole,” he said. Kelesitse further told Mmegi Sport that the organising committee will assist Letlapeng get a chance to train in Molepolole before the weekend fixture. 

Meanwhile, Kereng pointed out that Letlapeng’s plan is to go far in the tournament in order to raise money to make ends meet in the cash-strapped First Division. Kereng added that the good thing is that they remain a close book to Chiefs and that might work against their fancied opponents.

In other games, First Division South rookies, Mathaithai entertain Extension Gunners in Molepolole tonight at 7pm. The Moshupa side shocked many people in the last round when they beat Boteti Young Fighters and Mapantsula better be warned. Tomorrow in all-Premier League sides’ clash, ECCO City Greens welcome BDF XI at the Francistown Stadium.

On Sunday, Township Rollers take the long trip to the North where they will find Miscellaneous waiting for them in Serowe. It is a tricky fixture for Mapalastina especially that the same Serowe side eliminated BMC in the last round of the competition.

A massive crowd is expected in the Central District capital as Mapalastina enjoy a huge following in the area. Struggling Nico United meet fellow Premier League strugglers TAFIC in Francistown. All Sunday games kick off at 3pm.