No reprieve for relegated Mathaithai

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff Writer | Friday October 19, 2012 00:00

The Moshupa village side had made an appeal to the Botswana Football Association Disciplinary Committee (DC) to halt the league so their case could be heard. However, with the league now entering its second week, it is highly unlikely that their wish would be granted. Their argument was that they should have gone for the play-offs with Gabane United who had just lost out to Young Strikers for a slot in the First Division.

The controversy started when Notwane, who had been demoted to the First Division, made a dramatic return to the Premier League following the de-registration of both Police XI and Security System.The sudden promotion of Notwane left a single spot and the league committee decided to promote Gabane United who had just lost to Young Strikers in the play-offs, which were effected by the promotion of Prisons XI earlier. The league committee decided to give the green light to the Gabane side, a decision Masitaoka argue was improper.  League secretary Sidney Magagane, however, has told Mmegi Sport that they stand by their decision, arguing that they applied clause 16.16 of the BFA play rules and regulations which states that in the event that a vacancy is availed as a result of relegation or promotion, the best relegated team should go for the play-offs with the second best.

'But Gabane United qualifies in that apart from emerging the second best during the regional play-offs, they also had already gone for the play-offs with Young Strikers. Besides Masitaoka did not qualify in that they relegated automatically therefore cannot regard themselves as best relegated. Even if Gabane United did not qualify we would be forced to look again at the regional play-offs instead of considering Masitaoka,' Magagane said.

Meanwhile, last season's strugglers, Black Peril, who came very close to relegating, have started their campaign well with a 2-0 victory over Letlapeng. The result has shot them to the summit of the log. Their second assignment is a home tie against Mochudi Buffaloes and perhaps it could provide them with a clue as to how things would be shaping up.

Letlapeng make a long trip to Ghanzi looking to improve their record lest they find themselves in trouble by the end of the first round. Buoyed by their 1-0 win against fellow debutants Gabane United Ghanzi Terrors would fency their chances against the visitors and should not be taken lightly. Kanye Swallows are looking to their passionate supporters to spur them to a home win against visiting Masitaoka. Having tasted their first victory in the new surroundings, returnees Wonder Sporting would be in high spirits against Killer Giants who failed to dispose off Young Strikers in the first league game.

On Sunday, Modipane United will be attempting to build on their 2-2 draw away to Jwaneng Comets last week when they host debutants Gabane United who are desperate to prove their worth in the First Division. Comets take on Young Strikers in Mogoditshane to complete the fixtures.