First Division clubs boycott fixtures

MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI
Correspondent | Thursday November 11, 2010 00:00

 

Tonota FC, Sua Flamingoes and No Mathata did not honour their fixtures, demanding that the First Division North league committee conclude its negotiations with a sponsor before they can play.

Tonota FC was scheduled to play Satmos while Flamingoes were to travel to Orapa to face Orapa Bucks. No Mathata decided to boycott their away match against Maun Tigers.

First Division North chairperson, Eatametse Olopeng said his committee met with the clubs two weeks ago in a bid to avert the boycott.

'I called a meeting recently to advise the clubs against the boycott.

 We finally agreed with the clubs to continue with the fixtures as we are still working on the sponsorship issue,' he said

Olopeng said the league committee is negotiating with certain companies with a view to secure sponsorship.

He denied reports that they had agreed with clubs to stop games till a sponsor is found.

He said the First Division general assembly is the only body with powers to suspend games and clubs must honour fixtures.

He stated that the three clubs, which boycotted fixtures will be summoned to explain their actions.

Olopeng said he expects this weekend's fixtures to proceed smoothly after the misunderstanding over the sponsorship is cleared.

But Tonota FC chairperson, Maokaneng Bontshetse said his club decided to boycott the fixtures after a decision to defer games until a deal is reached with the sponsor.

'We agreed to postpone games until an agreement has been reached with a sponsor,' Bontshetse said.

Meanwhile, this weekend, Great North Tigers play No Mathata in Francistown, Boteti Young Fighters will do battle with Tonota FC in Orapa while Maun Tigers welcome Orapa Bucs.

Maun Terrors visit Sua Flamingoes in Sowa and Satmos play Mahalapye Hotspurs in Mahalapye.