Gaborone United (GU) has filed a protest against Mochudi Centre Chiefs following their goalless draw at Molepolole Sports Stadium on Wednesday night.
In a letter sent to Botswana Premier League (BPL) office, GU claim that midfielder David Makakaba is a defaulter, therefore, the Kgatleng giants have to be punished. Makakaba made his debut for Chiefs as a second half substitute, replacing Kenamile Mani.
Ever since relocating to Chiefs at the beginning of August, Makakaba has not played an official match for the league champions as his former side Police XI claimed that the Kgatleng giants had not followed the right channels in recruiting their former star. His case, along others, was taken to the Players’ Status Committee but he made a surprise debut in midweek, much to the delight of Chiefs’ fans.
“We were shocked to see Makakaba in Chiefs’ line-up because as much as we know, he belongs to Police XI. There were no proper negotiations between Chiefs and Police XI regarding the player. Whether the association has cleared him to join Chiefs does not make him eligible to play. We’re expecting to hear from Premier League office soon,” said GU secretary, Herbert Letsebe, on Friday morning.
The Reds handed their letter to BPL office on Thursday and paid the P1,000 protest fee. Letsebe said that they are not going to sit back and let Chiefs get away with what they believe is wrong.
“It’s important to respect rules and regulations. We’ll follow up this issue and ensure that justice is done. If it means taking the matter to FIFA we’ll do that,” he added.
The GU official dismissed reports that they filed the protest because they are bitter following their goalless stalemate against Chiefs. Both sides had to replay on Wednesday night after their initial game was abandoned last weekend due to a heavy downpour.
At the time, the Reds were leading 1-0 with 20 minutes of play remaining.
“We’re not bitter over the abandoned match because if it was the case, we could have not agreed to play on Wednesday,” he continued.
Chiefs’ secretary Lebo Seboni quashed GU’s claims saying that they have done everything in the book to get the services of Makakaba.
“As far as we know, he is our player and we’ll continue to use him. I was given his new registration book by the association. Even before his case was brought before the Status Committee, we engaged Police XI over his services,” said Seboni.
BPL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi, confirmed receiving a protest letter from GU and said that the matter would be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for hearing. He added that a ruling has not been made on the matter and it is up to Chiefs to use him in the upcoming games.
“If they’re found guilty, points will be deducted from the games he has featured in,” said Mamelodi.
Meanwhile, Chiefs’ successive title challenge face a litmus test this afternoon when they host ECCO City Greens at the SSKB Stadium in Mogoditshane.
Magosi have never had it easy with ECCO in the past five seasons.
Chiefs have 14 points from six games whilst ECCO have accumulated eight points from the same number of games.
Kickoff is 4pm.
