FRAFA chief spit fire against detractors

CHAKALISA DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday June 20, 2013 00:00

 

This was said FRAFA chairperson, Jonas Ikgopoleng who reiterated that there were some individuals who were fighting tooth and nail to see the downfall of the FRAFA committee.'Let me take this opportunity to warn these individuals to desist from their behaviour as it jeopardises and embarrasses the region and ultimately embarrass football in general,' Ikgopoleng warned affiliates at the regional body's annual general meeting (AGM) here recently. He bemoaned the fact that his committee has never had peace to carry out its mandate ever since it was elected into office, as in most cases it has to deal with petty individuals who are only interested in satisfying their selfish interests.

It is believed that Ikgopoleng in his veiled attack was referring to some club owners in the region who continue to disregard the FRAFA leadership. The chairperson, in his lengthy address also implored FRAFA affiliates to ostracise individuals who are not keen to see improvement in the beautiful game in the region. He said there have been instances where some FRAFA affiliated clubs disregarded the Botswana Football Association (BFA) regulations as well as laws of the game. He charged that such conduct should come to an end.

'Let's forge ahead in developing football within the region as well as observing the BFA constitution by playing according to rules and regulations, and FIFA Laws of the game,' he said.Ikgopoleng also apologised to the affiliates for the FRAFA leadership's decision to resign last month before changing their minds on the decision.

Committee members who resigned were Ikgopoleng, Vice Chairman Lenyeletse Tamocha, Secretary General Babuluki Bajiti, Treasurer Fanyana Fish and additional member, Obvious Moyo.He said that what led to their resignation was far beyond their control as they felt that the BFA National Executive Committee (NEC) was taking them for granted.

'There were some issues that needed to be addressed by the NEC as far back as 2011. These issues have been pending for quite a long time until we had a case with Eagles Football Club where we reached a point of resigning.' 'During this case some issues forced us to resign, but we later withdrew our resignation after we made an agreement with NEC that we will meet and air our concerns,' he said. He said that they were yet to meet the NEC due to commitments of both parties.