18 Jan 2016

The chairperson of the First Division North, Eatametse Olopeng has appealed to teams to support those that will be promoted to the elite league at the end of the league in April.

Addressing a meeting over the weekend, that marked the beginning of the second round of the Debswana First Division League slated for January 23, Olopeng said the round is a tough one because experience indicated that the round is usually characterised by high tempers.

He urged teams to manage tempers and support the teams that will be elevated because at the end of the day they will be representing the north.

Olopeng said he is hopeful that two teams from the north will be promoted to the premier league, lamenting that according to the performance at the premier league three teams from the north will relegate.

He said he is satisfied with the first round of the first division league and commended teams for their unity.

Olopeng told the meeting of his intention not to stand for any position in the committee when his term expires this year. He said after serving for three terms he is satisfied that he has ran his race and is confident that there are capable individuals who can take over from where he left.

Olopeng said he leaves a happy man because unlike previously the committee is united. He said while some people have approached him to stand for other positions in the Botswana Football Association, he has not made a decision yet as he wanted a break from active football.

Olopeng said even if he does not consider standing for any position he will remain beneficial to the football fraternity. 

He advised whoever will take over the chairmanship to shun factionalism and encourage unity among the teams.

The secretary general, Rapula Gaotlhobogwe encouraged the teams to register because CAF believes licensing improves and promotes football quality in Africa. 

He said the teams should license as they have been given ample time to do so. Gaotlhobogwe also asked them to include who their owners are in constitutions. He thanked Olopeng for bringing positive changes in the first division north during his tenure as the chairperson.

Palapye All Stars chairperson, Molefhi Obenne expressed disappointment that Olopeng was leaving at a time when teams have not secured any sponsors. 

Tafic secretary, Foster Machola called for a workshop that will help teams understand what is required of them to qualify for the CAF licensing.

Keleneetswe Leposo of Real Movers observed that during the first round, some hosting teams had a tendency of using the same kit as that of a visiting team and refused to change.

He appealed to the teams to be cooperative and avoid the anomaly during the second round. Ends