Mqondisi Dube
8 January 2009
SELEBI-PHIKWE — The second postponement of a soccer match at the Selebi-Phikwe Stadium in as many weeks in late December has left a sour taste in the mouth of both fans and clubs.
The Be Mobile league match between Nico United and Uniao Flamingo Santos scheduled for December 20 was cancelled at the last minute because the grounds men had started to treat the turf with manure.
Had there been effective communication between the relevant authorities, the Premier League Committee (PLC) would have known that the stadia were not available.
The postponement followed immediately after another fiasco in which a division one match featuring Motlakase and TASC was abandoned 30 minutes after kickoff following the failure of the floodlights.
Apparently, an unnamed Selebi-Phikwe council official knew that the floodlights were dysfunctional. Both teams laid the blame on division one north secretary, Bashi Albion Joseph, who in turn blamed the local authority.
In the case of Nico and Santos, both clubs only learnt of the postponement on Thursday, less than 48 hours before the fixture.
The postponements have raised questions about communication between the Premier League committee and the stadia owners, in this case the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council.
PLC Secretary, Setete Phuthego admits that there is need to change the present arrangement where the league committee is responsible for all stadia logistics. He believes that clubs should be more involved since they are in the locality.
"We normally send our schedule of events to stadium authorities and don't follow up on a weekly basis. I feel we have to relinquish some duties to clubs to avoid the inconvenience of postponements," Phuthego said. He said the PLC usually makes follow-ups on facilities that have given them problems in the past.
Phuthego added that the league committee has been responsible for securing venues for clubs but this has to change.
"Clubs have to check the availability of the stadia and see that it is in a proper state. They are better placed and I believe this will alleviate the difficulties that we face. The move will empower the clubs and they will also take full responsibility," Phuthego said.
He pointed out that the Premier League wanted to avoid embarrassing situations where games due to be televised had to be postponed because the pitch was in a bad state.
Phuthego said negotiations to air games both on television and radio were at an advanced stage.
Meanwhile, Phuthego has said his office has not received any request from the Be Mobile premier league side, Nico United to have their weekend game against GNT postponed following the death of Majombolo goalkeeper, Chrispen Nyamutambo.
"They have not sent a request, but even if they are granted a postponement, it will worsen their problems in the future. I spoke to their chairperson, Kitso 'Jomo' Nkoborwane, and he never hinted anything about postponing their game," Phuthego said.
However, he said, if Nico are to request a postponement, the case will be treated on its merit. Nico spokesperson, Matlhale Malepa said the club was expected to make a decision on yesterday as opinion was divided about whether to postpone the game or not.
"Others feel we should go ahead since fixtures will pile, but players are still mourning. We are still trying to digest the issue," Malepa said. However, a postponement of the game might prove too much for Nico who had their last game against Santos moved to a later date.
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