Since BPL announced at a media briefing at Grand Palm on Tuesday that they have approved the fixture involving Kaizer Chiefs and Centre Chiefs, some club officials have been fuming saying that the League is applying double standards. BDF XI chairman Boikanyo Addanes has gone on record saying that they do not have a problem with Magosi playing the Soweto giants but they will be waiting for Centre Chiefs the following day at SSKB Stadium in Mogoditshane. According to the league’s fixtures BDF XI is billed to meet with Magosi on November 17 in a game which many believe is likely to be an early title decider. But Amakhosi visiting Botswana, BDF XI-Chiefs game has since been cancelled.
BPL chief executive officer Bennett Mamelodi has lambasted those who say that Amakhosi’s visit to Botswana is of no importance. “It is hypotrical and those people who are against Kaizer Chiefs’ visit should be ashamed. It is not everyday that you find a club of Chiefs’ pedigree coming down here and we should be grateful as football people because in the end we’re going to benefit. Chiefs are a big brand across Africa and for them to have agreed to pay us a visit means a lot,” said Mamelodi.
He pointed out that a football symposium has been organized in the morning of November 16 where corporate leaders will sit around the table together 16 Premier League clubs’ chairmen where ideas will be shared. “Kaizer Chiefs will share with the Premier League chairmen on how to attract sponsors and tell corporate leaders the importance of investing in football. This is going to be a huge event. The Premier League clubs’ chairmen will also have a chance to interact with Kaizer Motaung who is the architect of this empire called Kaizer Chiefs,” Mamelodi pointed out.
He further quashed reports Premier League chairmen were not consulted when approving this friendly game. He said a meeting was held about a fortnight ago where BPL board decided to give the match a green light. A total of 13 board members were present at the meeting which endorsed the fixture. It is reported only three club chairmen from Township Rollers, BDF XI and Gaborone United were not part of the endorsement. “Mike Molefe (BPL chairman) took the proposal to the BFA executive meeting and the game was endorsed. It was then agreed that there should be minimal disruptions on that weekend. That means the rest of the fixtures that weekend will go ahead except the one between Chiefs and BDF XI which will be played at a later date,” said Mamelodi.
