Mmegi

Systems coach, Botlhasitse pays a heavy price for xenophobia

David Bothasitse. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO.
David Bothasitse. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO.

Security Systems coach, David Botlhasitse has been banned for five matches and ordered to pay P15,000 for xenophobic utterances aimed at Gaborone United Burundian goalkeeper coach, Khalid Niyonzima.

The incident took place on November 29, 2024 last month following the two teams' clash which ended 1-0 in favour of Systems. On January 29, the Botswana Football League prosecutor, Makungekwa Maswabi charged Botlhasitse with a single count of misconduct, "relating to allegations of discrimination against a person on account of ethnic origin". He called Niyonzima a "lekwerekwere", a deregotory term used to refer to a foreign national.

The case was then referred to the BFL Disciplinary Committee which delivered its ruling on Monday. In addition to the ban and fine, Botlhasitse received three match stadium ban. He has already served a two-match suspension after he received a red card. The P15,000 fine is expected to be paid within five days of the ruling.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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