Eagles, Fighters vie for First Division berth

CHAKALISA DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday June 27, 2013 00:00

Following the promotion of the Selebi-Phikwe giants to the Premier League over the weekend, it means that a berth has been created in the First Division North. Yesterday, Francistown Regional Football Association (FRAFA) chairperson Jonas Ikgopoleng confirmed that Eagles would clash with Fighters to decide who fills the void left by FC Saatmos.He said that this is in accordance with Article: 16.6 of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) play rules and regulations on vacancies created by promotion or relegation.

The article states that in the event that the promotion or relegation of a team or teams result in the number of teams in any league being less than the stipulated number of teams in terms of the constitution or regional rules and regulations as the case may be, the best losers of the play-off shall engage in play-offs with the better of the relegated teams to determine which team make up the numbers.

'Eagles came third at the Division One playoffs while Kazungula Fighters was the best relegated team in the First Division North. 'Because a void has been left by Satmos who were promoted to the elite league over the weekend, the best relegated team will have to play the third best team at the play-offs. That is why they Eagles will face Kazungula,' he said.Ikgopoleng further told this publication that the two teams will have to play at a neutral venue in accordance with the BFA play rules and regulations.

'We are yet to decide when and where the games will be held because FC Satmos recently won promotion. A decision will be made soon and an announcement made in due course,' he said.There has been confusion as to which team will replace FC Satmos in the First Division North. There was talk that Eagles may be granted promotion to the First Division by virtue of being the third best team at the play-offs.While there was the opinion that Kazungula may earn promotion by virtue of being the best-relegated team in the First Division.