Administrators ponder First Division North split

Simon Jubane
Correspondent | Friday March 16, 2012 00:00

 

This follows a closed door meeting convened in Francistown last Saturday between the First Division North League Committee chairperson Eatametse Olopeng and chairpersons from the seven regions in the north.

Last August, Tswapong Regional Football Association (TRFA) moved a motion during the BFA annual general meeting (AGM) in Gaborone seeking the blessing of the country’s football governing body to split the league into two streams.

However, the motion was not immediately dealt with as the movers were referred back to the regions in order to find a common ground since some regions professed ignorance about the motion. In an interview with Mmegi Sport after the meeting, Olopeng confirmed that the issue of splitting the league was one of the issues discussed.

“The issue of splitting First Division North into two streams involves a lot. We have got seven regions in the north.

They all need to be consulted about the development and its implications,” he said.

According to Olopeng, there are a number of issues that need to be taken into consideration before a final decision is reached. He said teams from the central region had suggested having their own stream to cut travelling and accommodation costs. “Teams from Mahalapye, Palapye, Selebi-Phikwe and Serowe are arguing that they travel long distances to honour fixtures in Maun, Kasane and Maitengwe.

The clubs’ argument is understandable. And we have resolved that there be a consultation with relevant stakeholders before the decision is taken,” said Olopeng. If ever the league will split into two, Olopeng said clubs in the northern cluster might increase to 24, as each stream will be required to have 12 participants.

He said amendments to the current system on automatic promotion to the elite league will definitely change and clubs should be prepared for the resultant changes.

BFA National Executive Committee (NEC) member responsible for regions, Charles Chilisa, said the split would be determined by the availability of both human and financial resources.