Botswana Premier League reacts to Morena Ramoreboli’s referee allegations
The Botswana Premier League [BPL] has reacted to South African coach Morena Ramoreboli’s scathing attack on referees in the league.
Ramoreboli was left disappointed and frustrated on Sunday when reigning league champions Jwaneng Galaxy lost 1-0 against rivals Township Rollers.
Galaxy had a goal disallowed late in the second half when they were already trailing. In his post-match conference, the 2023 Bafana Bafana COSAFA team coach openly slammed referees for the bad officiating. “It’s really disappointing, and disgusting at the same time.”
Ramoreboli also related to another bad officiating incident that happened in their 2-2 draw against Matebele last Wednesday.
In a statement on Sunday, BPL revealed that they’re aware of Ramoreboli’s comments. They aim to protect the quality of football in the country.
With two matches remaining to finish the season, the top three teams in the title race Jwaneng Galaxy, Township Rollers and Gaborone United will now play at the same time to ensure fairness.
BOTSWANA PREMIER LEAGUE’S STATEMENT ON MORENA RAMOREBOLI’S REMARKS
“The BPL has noted the incidents that played themselves out at the Lobatse Sports Complex today,” reads the statement.
“For the record, we view the comments made by the Head Coach of Jwaneng Galaxy as unfortunate and regrettable, by equating what happened as a football match, with the quality of leadership, or the lack thereof in Botswana.
“The relevant structures of the BPL are currently seized with the matter. Be advised that henceforth, the top 3 teams will play at the same time.
“With regards Week 30, everybody will play at the same time [Saturday 25th May 2024, kickoff 15H00], except for BDF vs Matebele, who will play on Friday 24th May 2024 at the Lobatse Sports Complex, kickoff 15H00 [due to BDF Day the following day].
“The leadership of football in Botswana will continue to do all in their power to ensure that football in Botswana is conducted in the spirit of fairness as espoused by FIFA. This season will end. That is unavoidable and every effort will be made to ensure that it ends fairly.
“We call on all our club, their employees and members, as well as the football-loving public, to remain calm and show restraint because we shall jealously protect the reputation and image of the game as well as those who lead it with the necessary authority and control. May the best team win this season. Thank you.
THREE-HORSE RACE FOR THE BOTSWANA PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE
This season is a three-horse race for the league title. Galaxy have 61 points, Gaborone have amassed 59 points and Rollers have collected 58 points.
Galaxy will face Gaborone United and Orapa United. In their other fixture, Gaborone United will face Holy Ghost. Lastly, Township Rollers will play BDF XI FC and Tafic FC.
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