New LFA Premier League is under way … for now

THE SOL PLAATJE Local Football Association’s newly-formed league kicks off this weekend with games scheduled to be played at several venues around Kimberley while officials await a suitable arbitrator to mediate in the dispute between the new league and the Safa regional executive committee.

LFA spokesperson Cecil “Shorty” Thebe yesterday released details about a clutch of games to be played over the weekend as part of their newlyformed Premier League. Thebe said they have availed a total prize-money for all clubs taking part but a lump sum of R15 000 will be awarded to the eventual league winner.

Thebe said they were going ahead with their plans while they await the official word from Safa national headquarters about a mediator who would be acceptable to both parties.

The Sol Plaatje LFA had, according to unconfirmed reports, been disbanded by the Safa regional executive committee earlier in the year. The Safa regional executive has to date ignored enquiries regarding reports about the LFA’s alleged expulsion.

The LFA top brass in turn have yet to act on promises to avail a report on the matter to the media. Thebe yesterday reiterated that same sentiments, but went on to say that they were awaiting the appointment by Safa national of a mediator suitable to both parties. Thebe said they were still finalising plans for a formal launch of the Premier League. An announcement in that regard will be made shortly by the LFA, he said.

The LFA’s Premier League fixtures for this weekend are available in our weekend fixtures list in this edition (see page 30).