Chiefs’ Premier League return hits a snag
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Saturday August 3, 2024 06:00
Magosi were seemingly poised to return to the elite league this coming season after spending time in the lower division but it appears the dream may just be deferred after failing to reach a deal with VTM, at least for now. The club's spokesperson, Boraro Moseki, confirmed that negotiations have since taken an unexpected turn. “Our deal with VTM to buy status has taken a U-turn at the last minute. It seems they found a better offer. I really don't know why they changed their minds,” Moseki told MmegiSport yesterday. VTM owner and president, Vincent Mafuta, however, said he is not in a position to confirm or deny lest he jeopardises any deal with either Chiefs or any other potential partner or buyer.
At their recent annual general meeting, Chiefs revealed to their general membership that they are considering buying a BPL status to the tune of P600, 000. With the league set to kick-off next month, the Kgatleng giants are now running against time but Moseki said they are still optimistic of playing in the elite league this coming season. “Let us wait for today to unfold. We are still optimistic about going to the Premier League. We are recruiting Premier League material. We are doing well in the recruitment. All is in order,” he said. Moseki also said they are organising a tournament in Francistown at the end of August with some of the big teams in the country as preparations for the coming season intensify.
Meanwhile, the long-standing battle for the Chiefs brand could finally be over after the case before the High Court was withdrawn this week. Ramocha Tsieng, the late Matshidiso Kowa, and the company Mochudi Centre Chiefs (Pty) Limited were suing the society as well as the chairperson, Victor Kobe, Nutri Feeds Botswana, and DC Tours & Lounge for using the trade name and symbol, demanding a payment of P3.5 million. However, the positive news for the club ahead of the new season is that the case has since been withdrawn. “Good news is that a team of gentlemen who have been claiming that the Centre Chiefs logo is theirs have withdrawn their case in court. This is worth a celebration for Chiefs supporters. We are focused and nothing will stand before us. We are going to the Premier League and we are going there to compete,” Moseki said.