28 Feb 2013

Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) is considering an application by Mochudi Rugby Club to be admitted into the union’s A-Division for the 2013 season.

The Mochudi team applied to play in the top division of the rugby union after playing for a number of seasons in the B-Division, which was effectively an U-19 developmental league.

Last season they finished as runners-up to B-Division champions UB Rhinos Bs after losing in the final.

In a letter of request submitted to the BRU secretariat early this year, the club stated that it had progressed fast over the past three years, and now felt ready to compete with the big boys.

The A-Division, which is the premier league of Botswana rugby, comprises six teams: Gaborone Hogs, University of Botswana Rhinos, White Rhinos, EMG Gunners, BDF Cheetahs, and Ghanzi Rugby Club.

There ihad been no clear provision for promotion or relegation between the two rugby divisions. Consequently, clubs applied to the BRU for admittance into the A-Division.

In 2011, White Rhinos had their application for admittance into the A-Division approved after satisfying rigorous technical standards set by the union. Ghanzi also had their application accepted five years ago.

A BRU annual general assembly held at Falcon Crest in Gaborone on Saturday considered the application from Mochudi Rugby Club. The president of BRU, Bob Lekan said there were fundamental technical issues before a team could be admitted to play in the A-Division.   

Lekan stated that BRU would appoint a technical team that will assess the Mochudi club to determine whether it was capable of playing in the A-Division. One of the things that the Mochudi club needed to satisfy was to provide proof that it had 10 forward players, which was a requirement for the 15s rugby.

“The technical team will determine two teams from A-Division that will play two test matches against Mochudi Rugby Club.The technical team will look at several factors in its assessment and if they are satisfied Mochudi Rugby Club will be accepted in the A-Division,” said Lekan.

The Mochudi club said it had finalised plans to construct a ground in Mochudi where it would host A-Division home matches.

One of the delegates, Mathews Porogo from Jwaneng Rugby Club, which plays in the B-Division, proposed that the union should develop a system through which teams could be promoted to A-Division.

Meanwhile, the 2013 A-Division league season will kick-off on March 23 when 2012 champions, Gaborone Hogs host White Rhinos at the Wharic Park while UB Rhinos would welcome Selebi Phikwe-based EMG Gunners while BDF Cheetahs would entertain Ghanzi.

The league would be played in a round robin format before entering the knock-out stage and the league final will be on May 25 in Gaborone. UB Rhinos chairperson, Lesedi Keekae suggested that the league should in future be played on home and away basis to make it more competitive and sellable as a product.

Meanwhile, BRU treasure Vincent Machaya told the meeting that clubs owed the union monies amounting to P14 000 in unpaid subscription fees.

Lekan urged clubs to show seriousness and commitment by paying subscription fees. Subscription for an A-Division team is P2 500 while B-Division teams pay P1 000. ENDS