21 Aug 2016

The senior national football team coach, Peter Butler, was on August 18 slapped with a two match ban for slamming the referee after the COSAFA Castle Cup final in Namibia in June.

The COSAFA executive committee also handed Zebras captain, Joel Mogorosi and defender Boitumelo Mafoko, two match suspensions for their conduct after the match.

After the Zebras’ 2-3 defeat by South Africa in the final in Windhoek, Butler branded the referee’s performance as “shameful, atrocious and disgusting”.

The straight-talking Englishman’s comments landed him in hot soup. Therefore, he would miss the Zebras’ next two COSAFA Castle Cup matches.

Head of delegation, Sakaiyo Jannie, was also fined for allegedly using abusive language at Zambian referee, Janny Sikazwe.

The regional football body further announced in its website that it fined Botswana Football Association (BFA) US$3 500 (P36, 333) for the offenses.

Contacted about the issue on August 20, BFA chief executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng stated that the association was aware of the punishment.

“It is true that COSAFA has suspended them; (coach and the two players) and we have to comply with that punishment. We have no choice except to oblige.  The affected parties know about it,” Kemoeng said.

He said the association would hold internal consultations to see how it moves forward regarding payment of the fine. Ends