Irate TAFIC accept judgement

GALE NGAKANE
Correspondent | Thursday March 18, 2010 00:00

 

The match was called off with five minutes to go after TAFIC players reportedly swarmed the assistant referee for failing to raise his flag after the ball went out before it was crossed for Chiefs to take a 2-1 lead.

The Coca-Cola Cup organising committee found TAFIC guilty of causing the abandonment and awarded the match to Chiefs who will now meet Extension Gunners in the semi-finals.

The other incidents of violence and misbehaviour at the match were referred to the Botswana Football Association (BFA) Disciplinary Committee.

TAFIC vice chairman, Livet Ntwaagae was scathing in his attack on the Coca-Cola Cup organising committee that made the ruling. 'Just how did they quote Article 8.0 of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) playing Rules and Regulations? These are rules and regulations for the league and not the tournament,' he wondered. Ntwaagae said the decision was taken without consulting TAFIC. He accused Chiefs' officials of intimidating referee, Joshua Bondo.

'He (the referee) felt so intimidated he hesitated to award a red card to the offending Chiefs' players. In this ruling, there is also no mention of the time the game was stopped and even the referee's optional time was not considered. We really feel hard done by the ruling as it is against the development of football in this country,' said Ntwaagae.

TAFIC manager, Phenyo Pelaelo was equally scathing. 'We have accepted the verdict though I have a feeling we have been treated badly here. People must know that we are humans too and demand to be treated with equality. We are being mindful of the fact that we have a game with Chiefs at the weekend and we want to concentrate on preparing for that game. We cannot afford to dwell on the past,' he said.

Chiefs' spokesperson, Clifford Mogomotsi said they have always been adamant that they did not disrupt the game. He does not feel sorry for TAFIC as they have themselves to blame for what happened. 'I was at that game. I saw what happened.

TAFIC have got themselves to blame. They refused to take up positions when the referee called them to do so. There was still ample time to continue with the game. You will have to remember that there was also referee's optional time, which was going to be added,' he said.

The two teams meet this weekend in what should be a highly charged be MOBILE Premier League duel in Francistown.