29 Jul 2019

Warring factions of Mochudi Centre Chiefs led by Ramocha Tsie and Raymond Tsheko have smoked the peace pipe as the Debswana First Division side seeks to redeem itself.

Speaking during a special meeting held in Mochudi on July 27, the two, Tsie and Tsheko, said they decided to a truce because their rivalry was detrimental to the performance of the team, which had now relegated from the BTC Premiership.

Outlining how the rivalry started, Tsheko explained that during the days when Chiefs alias Magosi won trophies, a number of decisions were made, which were contrary to the team’s constitution.

Ramocha and others felt decisions made during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) were unconstitutional as only card carrying members of the team should attend such meetings and were worried that continued disregard of the constitution could result with the Registrar of Societies removing Magosi off the list.

However, their pleas continued to be ignored and they sought assistance from the courts.

In 2013, a decision was taken during an AGM to form Mochudi Centre Chiefs Trust to work hand in hand with business mogul, Jamali, who at the time, was given the team as a majority shareholder.

This resulted with two pillars of power, with Tsheko and others leading the Trust while Ramocha led the Mochudi Centre Chiefs Society and both claimed to be representing the team.

The confusion made it difficult for the team to secure sponsors, which resulted with the team unable to pay its players and eventually it relegated.

During the weekend meeting, both Tsie and Ramocha said they had now ceased to be chairpersons of the team and urged supporters to remain fully behind the team and select a committee that would lead Chiefs forward.

While the factions have now united and efforts are now geared towards rebuilding the team, there is only one stumbling block remaining before an AGM could be held and a new committee be selected.

Tsheko and company had taken Tsie to court over contempt of a ruling that led to the formation of an interim committee.

The matter has been withdrawn and the AGM has been set for August 17 with the hope that the case would be concluded by then.

Supporters were happy with the decision and Bakgatla ba Kgafela deputy Kgosi Bana Sekai, who brokered the peace deal, urged the warring factions to rally behind the team and support the committee that would be selected.

Time is however an enemy for the team, which lost numerous players at the end of the 2018/19 season and Edwin Masire, has been roped in as a coach.

Tsheko explained that it had been difficult for Chiefs to sign quality players due to financial constraints and therefore had resolved to look for players within Kgatleng.

With the transfer window deadline approaching, supporters have agreed to do everything they can to ensure their team sign players before the window closes.

Chiefs has registered River Plate Stadium in Mochudi as their home ground for the coming season and Tsheko appealed to supporters for assistance in clearing the field and building a boundary wall. Ends