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Sports Beat's guess is that many of you, especially local soccer fans, have already heard of the Safa Sedibeng's Promotional Play-Offs fiasco at the Meyerton Stadium recently.

These play-offs, which were set to elect the three teams that will campaign in the Safa Sedibeng Castle Regional League in the new season, were abandoned after Midvaal-teams protested against Blazer FC, claiming that the latter did not play their Metropolitan Promotion League fixtures to the end. Because of this, Midvaal-teams protested that Blazer FC should not be allowed to feature in the play-offs.

By the way, it just so happens that Safa Sedibeng Deputy President Kate Peurker also comes from Midvaal. Some time ago Sports Beat posed the following question: How on earth can people who come from areas where there are no active football leagues be chosen to run our football? I say this in specific reference to Xolani Mtumtum (Safa Sedibeng President) and his deputy, Miss Peurker.

Anyway, Sports Beat does not want to incite further displeasure. Nevertheless, the Midvaal teams' complaints are completely justifiable. We have never heard a thing about the Metropolitan Promotion League being played in Lesedi or Midvaal last season, yet come play-offs, surprise, surprise - the two associations feature in the play-offs.

Who is responsible for all of this "mangamanga" business? The only two people who can answer this question are Safa Sedibeng League coordinator, Beauty Molise, and/or Chief Executive Officer Zach Ndweni. We assume that these two keep record of all the games played and scheduled; therefore they must provide us with the final log to establish which teams did in fact complete the league.

It is sad, because at this time of the year the teams and soccer fans were supposed to be up to date as to who will be promoted to the Castle League.

It seems that Safa Sedibeng has fallen in the habit of starting the league behind schedule every season. Sports Beat does not enjoy controversy, but it seems as if there is faulty play in this saga.

The Safa Sedibeng Executive Committee should not dismiss the complaining teams' claims because they have a point. Before they take action, Safa Sedibeng should demand the final log and the results of the two associations in question.

On another sad note, the South African team's performance at the Beijing Olympics is painting a clear picture of poor sports development in this country. Many are of the opinion that SA's performance is the result of a lack of preparation prior to the games. Sports Beat, however, would like to differ to this stance.

As long as people who run sport in this country do not understand development, we will continue to suffer. For example, Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana once again showed little faith in local strikers when he recalled SA soccer's prodigal son Benni McCarthy. As if there is not enough talent in this country!

Our national teams will disintegrate because there is no continuity in this country in comparison to other nations. The fact that we still hold on to McCarthy is a clear indication of desperation.

Oeshee Kuze Kuse!

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