One can only imagine the frustration of the management and coaches of the respective ABC Motsepe League clubs which face so much uncertainty regarding the start of the new-look campaign.
Besides Safa Western Cape’s announcement that the league will be expanded from 18 to 24 teams, there has been no clear communication as to when the league is set to commence.
This leaves clubs in limbo not knowing when to actually start with their pre-season proceedings.
It is clear that not much thought in terms of a timeline has gone into the planning and preparation of the expansion of the second division to make it more inclusive for teams, especially those from the rural regions.
Also, a lack of clear communication seems to be at the root of the problem.
This seems to compound the misery of clubs gunning to participate in the Third Tier of South African football. Bear in mind, every season there seem to be challenges leading up to the new campaign with poor communication – which begs the question?
Is it not time that club owners stand together as one and refuse to start the season until all issues are resolved. This will probably be too much to ask as it’s a fact that there is so much division amongst rival clubs and the region is well aware of this – perhaps even using it to their advantage.
Spare a thought for the Overberg champion Bazuka United who now have to watch a team, Salim United, who ended five spots below them, represent the Overberg for the new Motsepe League campaign.
Yes, it was ‘pre-determined by all the clubs in the Overberg region, but it still does not make any football or financial sense at the end of the day as it was pre-determined already – which casts doubt over Salim but bottom-line is that Bazuka will have to accept their fate as determined.
Safa WC’s boss Tankiso Modipa (pictured left) ‘exonerated’ them when he shared the criteria with No Bones with Jones and where it clearly states that and all clubs were present, aware and agreed on the criteria set out – but somehow it just still doesn’t sit right with me as why were they (Bazuka) allowed to spend all the time, effort and finances to represent the Overberg at the Playoffs in Plettenberg knowing they don’t meet the criteria and it will all be in vain. Should the merit criteria not be applied?
It’s like legitimately adopting a child from foster care but denying the individual certain privileges during care because it’s not fleshing blood… It’s beyond comprehension.
Meanwhile our website reached out to Salim’s owner and vice president of Safa Overberg Martiens Konstabel (pictured right) last week already to confirm if he was indeed the owner of the club as well as to share his take on the fact that they will be representing the Overberg in the Motsepe League-but Konstabel is too occupied.
It’s not far-fetched to say that the modern era of football on the local front is disillusioned by these superficial novelties such as the growth and participation of the game (in numbers), while the administration which is the pulse and heartbeat, is regressing.
There are very few real good football administrators, one who puts the game and its interest first and without expecting anything in return – and the lack of these fundamentals is the reason why we are where we…
But again, I emphasize that clubs should unite and make their voice heard as one so that their concerns and issues can be addressed – whether it be in the Hollywoodbets Third Division or the Second Division because it’s amazing how the powers that be get lambasted and criticised like cowards, yet no one does nothing to take up the fight. which is their democratic right.
