Status swap bad for football – Zakhem
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday September 9, 2024 09:29
The swap is an increasing phenomenon in local football. At least P1.2 million has been spent in the exchanges that saw the return of sleeping giants, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Extension Gunners to the elite league. Chiefs are said to have paid P600, 000 for Masitaoka FC's Premier League status while Gunners also parted with a similar amount to acquire Jwaneng Young Stars' spot in the Premier League. Masitaoka have since fallen to the third-tier league as reports suggest that Chiefs sold their First Division South League status to Magosi FC. The latter have been plying their trade in the third-tier league under the Kang Region and have switched to Kgatleng Region as they prepare to make their debut in the First Division. Young Stars will once again compete in the First Division League having been splendid in their maiden campaign in the second tier.
But Zakhem, during a recent press briefing, said clubs should be given a single opportunity to buy and sell league statuses. He is of the view that by virtue of failing to acquire promotion to the elite league, a team would not be ready both financially and technically to compete in the higher division. Zakhem further said if teams are allowed to buy and sell at will, it would, in the long run, impact the level of competitiveness in the Premier League. 'We took a resolution as the (Botswana Football League) board and we will see if it will go to the (Botswana Football Association) assembly. I am against a team that buys a status now and two years later, comes back to buy a status again. We give them a chance once, you cannot lose (league titles) now, then buy, and then lose (again). I read in one of the papers that if Young Stars get promoted they can sell again. But do we think it is right all of us as football people,' wondered Zakhem.
The outspoken GU boss further said the personnel is also heavily affected in the midst of status exchanges. He noted that Young Stars have since parted ways with head coach, Andrew Tlou, while some players had to seek new homes in the Premier League, including the First Division South League top goal scorer, Serati Semadi, who has moved to Sua Flamingoes. Masitaoka's previous management had released all the squad members from last season and the players had to scramble to find new homes during the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, the BFL general assembly, which was supposed to take place this weekend, has been cancelled due to statutory requirements.