Controversial rugby league goes for semis

Rhinos were docked points and failed to qualify for the semi finals
Rhinos were docked points and failed to qualify for the semi finals

The controversy-ridden Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) league will finally proceed to the semi-final stage tomorrow.

The league has seen some flashpoints, including issues with match officials, whilst some clubs were docked points. The semi-finals were initially scheduled to be held last weekend but were postponed. The league chairperson, Bucks Keopetswe, told MmegiSport that the semi-finals were postponed due to logistical issues that need intervention. He said clubs in the top four, which will play in the semi-finals, are Gaborone Hogs, BDF Cheetahs, Canon Jaguars, and Jwaneng Wildebeests. “We docked points from Rhinos because they used a defaulter. Botho Ryders and Jaguars wrote a letter to the disciplinary committee complaining that Rhinos used an illegible player.

The letter was forwarded to me as the league chairperson. Action was taken alongside regulations. The player had to miss two league games, but that did not happen,” he said. Keopetswe explained that the two clubs benefited from the Rhinos' points. In another game, which was called off between Wildebeests and Jaguars, Keopetswe said it was an issue of misconduct. He said Wildebeest also lost some points, which were given to the Jaguars. Rhino's chairperson, Emmanuel Mabulana, admitted that they had fielded a defaulter against Ryders and Jaguars. He said it was unfair for the league committee to have given their points to the two sides. The decision means Rhinos will not play in the league semi-finals tomorrow. “We requested a meeting with the BRU board on Wednesday evening, but it did not materialise. Initially, Great North was also in the top four after they were granted points, which were ours. The club had only played two games, fortunately, that was turned around,” he said.

Editor's Comment
The Boko-led administration has to tread carefully

‘When you make peace withyourself, you make peace with the world’- Maha GhosanandaThis may come at a huge cost if not handled properly. What started off on Labour Day in Letlhakane this year, where Boko was in attendance when the militant lawyer-cum-trade unionist, Robert Rabasimane rebutted the President’s address in defence of the trade union has seemingly spiralled out of control. The issue is now creating a cat-and-mouse type of a...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up