Botswana Football Association National Executive committee shocked the football fraternity by slapping Notwane football club with a two seasons (2016/17 and 2017/18) suspension for talking football matters to court contrary to the BFA constitution and regulations. The BFA NEC sentenced Notwane to a two season suspension. One season is suspended provided they don’t commit the same offence while serving suspension.
Contacted for comment Notwane chairman, Phillip Tiroyamodimo could not comment further because they are yet to receive an official communiqu├®. “We have not received a letter informing us of any decision against Notwane. We have heard the rumor that we have been suspended” Tiroyamodimo told Sunday Standard Sports.
He however revealed that upon hearing the news that they had been suspended they sent Notwane President, Batshani Ndaba to BFA to enquire about the suspension. “Ndaba informed us that there is no official letter communicating the suspension to us, but they verbally told him that indeed Notwane has been suspended. They informed him that they are yet to write the letter to inform the team.”
Tiroyamodimo explained that he could not comment further because they have not received any official communication outlining the reasons for their suspension. “They have to give us reasons and tell us what we should do with our players. More than 80% of our players are under the age of 23. If the team is suspended their future will be ruined. It is sad for football”, said Tiroyamodimo. He told Sunday Standard Sports that he expects the letter to explain what should be done with the players if they are to spend a season without playing football.
According to a BFA press release, Clubs seeking to acquire the services of players from Notwane football club must do so in accordance with the BFA play Rules and regulations relating to transfer of players.
Notwane in June 2015 took BFA to court after they were aggrieved by a Disciplinary Committee decision that directed a playoff match between them and Satmos that determined who to relegate between the two, Satmos won the encounter and remained in the top elite league while Notwane relegated to the lower division.
Notwane will be suspended from the 2016/2017 season and will resume football activities in the 2017/2018 season on condition that it is not found guilty of the same offence. Notwane went to court under the leadership of Arnold Somolekae the then team’s chairperson. He has since resigned from the leadership of the team.
