Concern as Masitaoka follow VTM out
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday July 27, 2024 06:00
In fact, BFL CEO, Bennett Mamelodi said his office has not been officially informed about the two club's departure.
A fortnight ago, VTM dropped a bombshell as its director, Vincent Mafuta told journalists that the club will cease to operate as a professional entity. It left players club-less, while the South African duo of Sifiso Myeni and Rooi Mahumatsa has reportedly approached FIFA over unpaid May and June salaries.
VTM's slot in the Premier League has not been taken up, with BFL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi saying they had not been formally approached about the club's departure. Before the ink could dry on VTM's story, Masitaoka chairperson, Godfrey Ratlhaga announced the team will be handed back to the Molepolole community. He had not responded to Mmegi Sport inquiries on the latest developments.
Mamelodi said they only read about the developments in the media and are waiting for clubs to make a formal approach. 'No, they have not approached us. As it stands, we still have 16 teams in the Premier League,' he said.
However, he said the reports are concerning and there is a need to find a solution to the challenge. 'The Premier League must be attractive. That is not happening now as we see clubs want to come in and immediately go out,' Mamelodi said yesterday.
It is reported that the Premier League has made efforts to engage VTM although Mamelodi could not confirm the development. 'I think we need a proper diagnosis. When clubs come in, they know that it costs a lot of money to participate in the league. There is a need to commercialise and professionally run the competition. There are a lot of financial leakages, we need to close gaps. Where does the money go; to the clubs or the owners?' Mamelodi wondered.
The Premier League has been without a title sponsor since 2020, but next season, First National Bank Botswana will inject a considerable amount. The commercial bank announced a P28.5 million deal for the BFL over the next three years. 'We need to make the product attractive to the fans and the corporate world. We need to see people back at the stadiums. We cannot fold our arms,' he said.
Mamelodi added that it was critical to make the top division a dream destination for every team. 'Teams should aspire to play in the Premier League. What we see means that the Premier League is no longer attractive and we need to arrest that. We want to all go back to the attractive product we all knew. It is abnormal for teams to drop out of the Premier League,' he said.
The development comes as Jwaneng Young Strikers promoted to the Premier League at the end of last season, are on the verge of selling their status to Extension Gunners. Former Premier League side, Mochudi Centre Chiefs is also in discussion for a possible return to the top flight as clubs make their spaces available in the premier division.