24 Jan 2019

Debswana First Division South (DFDS) pacesetters, Gilport Lions have been penalised three points and two goals for allegedly using a defaulter in their first round league encounter against Modipane United.

Gilport cruised to a 2-0 victory in the match which was played at Lekidi ground in October, but Modipane later protested that Thabiso Keaikitse was a defaulter. On Tuesday the league committee communicated that it had ruled in favour of Modipane on the long drawn matter.

“The First Division Committee met today and evaluated a case involving Gilport Lions vs Modipane Utd (United). Modipane Utd had protested that Gilport Lions used a defaulter (Thabiso Keaikitse) in that particular game. After evaluations, the committee ruled in favour of Modipane Utd, therefore Gilport Lions forfeits three points and two goals to Modipane Utd. Gilport Lions has seven days to appeal the ruling from the date of pronouncement,” the committee said.

Following their three points deduction, Gilport’s lead over second placed Broadhurst United has now been cut to two points. The former top flight side now has 20 points from 10 matches.  

On the other hand, the three points gained from the protest have catapulted Modipane from the bottom of the log into position 10. The Kgatleng side are now on eight points from 10 matches.

Contacted for comment on Wednesday, Gilport’s director Kelesitse Gilika declined to say much. “I can’t say anything about the judgement because I don’t know how they arrived at it when there was never any hearing,” Gilika responded when asked about the matter.

 He said he was surprised to hear from the media that his team was found guilty.

DFDS secretary Tebogo ‘Tico’ Kamati said he was still engaged in a meeting when reached to clarify the matter, while chairperson Sydney Magagane’s mobile phone couldn’t be reached.

Meanwhile, Gilport have a chance to extend their lead when they visit third placed Matebejana on Saturday at Mogoditshane Fighters ground, as the league first round comes to a conclusion.

On the same afternoon, Broadhurst United will continue their challenge for top spot when they lock horns with floundering Black Peril at the Tlokweng VDC ground. In other matches Union Flamengo Santos will welcome Red Sparks in Gabane, Modipane hosts Black Rangers in Modipane, Blue Stars entertain Mochudi Rovers at Kgaphamadi ground in Ghanzi, while Jwaneng Fighters will tussle with Mogoditshane Fighters at the Jwaneng Council Stadium. ENDS