Premier League kicks off despite Systems appeal

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Wednesday September 19, 2012 00:00

 

The fixtures released this week include Notwane and BR Highlanders who have replaced Police XI and Security Systems.Both Security Systems and Police XI have lost their affiliation with the Botswana Football Association (BFA) for failing to pay their annual subscription.

When Systems made an urgent application to the High Court to have the decision by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to terminate their membership reversed, Police XI made an appeal with the BFA disciplinary committee (DC).

Both teams lost their bid to retain their membership but Systems have now taken the matter to the Court of Appeal. Police XI are still awaiting a written judgement, but have vowed to take the matter to the courts as well.Their argument is that the 13.2.6 clause should apply to everyone. According to them, there are some regions as well as clubs that have failed to pay and should also face the consequences.

The date of the hearing of Security Systems' appeal is yet to be determined by the Court of Appeal. Notwane kick-start their return to the elite league against Miscellaneous away in Orapa, while BR Highlanders make their Premier League debut against Uniao Flamengo Santos in Molepolole. 

Both games will be played on Saturday. The two sides were included in the fixtures that were leaked to the media last week. However, Botswana Premier League (BPL) chief executive officer (CEO), Bennett Mamelodi later recalled the fixtures, saying they had not been approved.

The highlight of the weekend clashes is the BDF XI versus Extension Gunners encounter at Lobatse Stadium on Sunday. Defending champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs start their campaign against TAFIC at the Francistown Stadium on Saturday.