Township Rollers management has been irked by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) judgment that ruled Ofentse Nato a defaulter. In the judgment, Gilport Lions approached the BFA NDC after losing the case at the lower premier league DC hearing.
Rollers have now cast their eyes to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) for resolution. By Friday, processes were underway at Rollers and the management had approached football governing body (FIFA) for clarity on statutes. “As Management of Township Rollers we are in contact with FIFA to confirm the implementation of the statutes,” said a press release from club chairman Walter Kgabung. He said they want all the decisions to be reversed and things stay as they are.
He also informed members, supporters and well-wishers that management of Township Rollers FC have taken a decision to appeal the judgement of the BFA-DC to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland and the process has started.
The statement further reads; “the judgement asserts that Mr Ofentse Nato is a defaulter and the BFA Disciplinary Committee judgment instructed the Botswana Premier League to implement sanctions as per 6.2.1 of the BFA Play Rules and Regulations in favour of the protesting team. We do not agree with this judgement.”
According to Kgabung Rollers management remain resolute that Nato is not a defaulter and hence the appeal to the CAS.
“The decision of CAS is final and I believe that will put this case to rest and we shall all be educated at the end of it all. We shall accept that decision whichever way it goes, till then we believe all decisions taken shall be stayed.”
Premier league acting chairman, Rapula Okaile on Wednesday issued a statement that he had instructed BFA Chief Executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng to deduct 10 points from Rollers for all games Nato played and amend the log standings.
Rollers financier, Jagdish Shah said they were in a state of confusion. “We are confused and this issue has affected the entire team. We don’t know whether the premier league acting CEO will dock 10 points from Rollers as the BPL chairman has instructed. We also received Police XI protest which we have to defend on Tuesday,” he said. He said the confusion is only having a negative impact especially on Nato, the team and its supporters. Shah said there are also allegations that other two teams, being Miscellaneous and Mochudi Centre Chiefs, are yet to protest.
