Premier League inches closer to autonomy

Mqondisi Dube | Friday December 4, 2015 10:30

 

The BFA would remain as the supreme body but with autonomy, the BPL would be able to negotiate its contracts and run independently unlike the current arrangement where the mother body enters into contract negotiations on behalf of the league. BPL board chairperson, Walter Kgabung said discussions are at an advanced stage and progressing well.

“The BFA national executive committee approved the matter. The issue will be discussed further at the Monday NEC meeting. Our target is to conclude the matter in January,” Kgabung said. He said if granted autonomy, the BPL would be able to negotiate and manage its contracts. Under the new arrangement, both the Premiership and First Division leagues would be run under the National League.

“We want to run our own affairs so that we can manage to handle a professional league. The BFA has a lot on its hands, but if you delegate powers, the Board will be more active. Statutes have already been drafted to govern a professional set up, which has many challenges,” he said.

Current contracts would continue to run under the BFA until they expire, then the BPL would negotiate new deals.

“Between January and July next year, it will be about amalgamating the two leagues (beMOBILE Premiership and First Division). Then the whole process will become fully operational next season,” he said.

But reports are that there are some football officials who had expressed reservations on the whole process.

 “There is a feeling that the BPL is not ready. What they want is just more powers but more powers to do what? Besides negotiating contracts what else do they want to do,” queried an official speaking on condition of anonymity.