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.
The BFL had asked the DC to deduct three points from Systems but this was dismissed. "The team was never joined as a party and has not been offered a hearing. The rules of natural justice do not justify such a sentence," the DC said in the ruling. The BFL prosecutor had argued for a stiffer sentence that included a 10 match ban, P20,000 fine and a stadium ban. However, the DC noted that the respondent was a first time offender, was remorseful and regretted his action. Further, Botlhasitse had cooperated with authorities in the disciplinary process and that he is open to rehabilitation. It was also considered that the guilty verdict was punishment enough as he will now be labelled as a xenophobe or racist. In passing its ruling, the DC noted that "discrimination is an evil that has no place in the beautiful game of football".
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.
The BFL had asked the DC to deduct three points from Systems but this was dismissed. "The team was never joined as a party and has not been offered a hearing. The rules of natural justice do not justify such a sentence," the DC said in the ruling. The BFL prosecutor had argued for a stiffer sentence that included a 10 match ban, P20,000 fine and a stadium ban. However, the DC noted that the respondent was a first time offender, was remorseful and regretted his action. Further, Botlhasitse had cooperated with authorities in the disciplinary process and that he is open to rehabilitation. It was also considered that the guilty verdict was punishment enough as he will now be labelled as a xenophobe or racist. In passing its ruling, the DC noted that "discrimination is an evil that has no place in the beautiful game of football".
