There seem to be growing fears that the new proposed ABC Motsepe League structures and additions are brought about not solely for an “all inclusive” Second Division as proclaimed, but rather to promote the “interest of certain clubs and individuals.”
This is the view of the Gansbaai-based team Bazuka United, who play their football in Safa Overberg’s region.
Bazuka, the Overberg’s Third Division champions, are crying foul over the fact that they are being done an injustice regarding the new-look Second Division.
Safa Western Cape released a statement recently confirming that the Motsepe League will be expanded from 18 to 24 teams for the new season with two streams of 12 teams each.
Now comes the contentious part – especially from those minority regions who must now put forward their legitimate representative to play in the Second Division for the 2024/’25 season.
A ‘bomb’ has now erupted in the Overberg after Salim United (Coastal stream) – who ended seventh in Hollywoodbets Third Division Regional League – has been identified as the side to be promoted to the Motsepe League, while the outright champion, Bazuka (Central stream) has been left shocked and in disbelief over the region’s decision.
Safa WC’s chairman and leader of the football in the Overberg, Tankiso Modipa confirmed this to our website.
“Salim United FC of Hermanus, belonging to Hermanus LFA, will represent Overberg in the Motsepe League, Modipa said to No Bones with Jones. “The club that should go to the playoffs is Blackpool FC of Caledon, belonging to Theewaterskloof LFA,” he added.
Bazuka, who represented the Overberg region at the Motsepe Playoffs in Plettenberg Bay recently, has vowed to get justice following an alleged ruling which saw Salim being promoted.
According to John Tambwe, Bazuka’s vice-captain and striker who has been elected as their spokesperson, they are considering taking the legal route.
“This decision is not only unjust but also lacks transparency, undermining the principles of fair competition and the integrity of the league’s promotion process,” Tambwe told No Bones with Jones.
“I believe that the decision should be made based on merit rather than favouritism towards the vice chairman of Safa Overberg region’s team, Salim FC,” he added.
Bazuka’s chairman Enock Bazuka shared his disappointment on the matter with our website. “Everyone has worked hard and spent a lot of money to get there and in the end, Modipa disappointed me,” Bazuka told No Bones with Jones. “He knows I won the league and went to the playoffs and did everything and spent a lot of money without his payment. He didn’t get the payment for the team and I had to organise two taxis out of my own, where I paid R20 000 and another R16 000 for accommodation.
“I asked the right guys about the playoffs and said I don’t have money. They (Safa WC) said payment would be available after the playoffs. I went to the playoffs but in the end he disappointed me. I feel very bad. I am not okay and not orait. I don’t know what he thinks about us. Because we are just helping get kids off the streets.
“This will be my fourth season in Overberg but I didn’t get any payment from them. Last season I paid R20 000 joining fee. They promised us they would help us with transport, player’s registration and the referees’ monies – so it’s a lot. I am not well and not feeling good at all – I don’t know,” Bazuka concluded.
