The match-fixing reports have forced the association to cancel the men's netball finals, which were scheduled for this weekend at the Royal Aria Indoor Arena. According to information reaching MmegiSport, a meeting was held between team managers and BONA president, Mpopi Moatlhodi, this week, where the decision to cancel the men’s league was announced. It is alleged that Notwane reported a match-fixing incident to the South Zone committee, and the matter was escalated to the executive committee due to a lack of evidence. During the meeting, clubs argued that there was no communication that was circulated to Division A clubs regarding the match-fixing matter. The executive committee was also accused of failing to decide as per BONA play and regulations when dealing with the matter.
BDF Cats spokesperson, Fortune Ketlhaetse, is worried the issue will tarnish the game of the sport, emphasising that his club was not involved in incidents that led to the cancellation of the finals. He said it was surprising that there are some allegations of match fixing in a league that has no prize money. “We are busy looking for sponsors and partners to host our annual Find The Ball tournament with cash prize money of P50,000 for women and P30,000 for men, a first of its kind in Botswana to play for such amounts,” he said. “The whole issue is likely to affect our negotiations with potential sponsors. Cats men were the log leaders, with a chance of being champions. A decision like this kills moral and hope.” Moatlhodi stated that the netball league comes to an end over the weekend, and there would be no other games played afterwards. She confirmed that the men’s league finals have been cancelled and the matter of match fixing is under investigation. “It is unfortunate that men are causing trouble in women’s sport when they should be supporting women.
