Mochudi Centre Chiefs has suspended five players after they took part in a tournament over the Easter holidays without the club’s approval – an act widely condemned as disrespectful to professional football and the integrity of the game.
The suspended players are Benson Mangolo, Shanganani Ngada, Monty Enosa, Laone Petros, and Brian Tafhi. The players are under professional contracts and their appearances in social Easter tournaments are said to be a breach of Chiefs’ internal regulations.
Sources within the club say management was left with no choice but to act decisively, stressing that discipline and professionalism remain non-negotiable at Chiefs. The decision sends a strong message not only to the individuals involved, but also to the rest of the squad and the broader football community.
Unlike many teams in the league that struggle financially, Chiefs is regarded as one of the most stable clubs. Players are reportedly paid on time and provided with necessary support to focus fully on their football careers. As such, the five players’ actions are not only disappointing, but are also a clear disregard for the standards expected at the highest level of the game.
Local football commentator Jimmy George said the incident reflects poorly on the sport. ‘It is disrespectful to football and very bad for the league. The team did well by suspending them, and the league should also take firm action against the five players,’ he said.
George further explained that participating in social tournaments undermines the elite league, especially when players are well compensated compared to others in less stable teams.
‘It is unnecessary,’ a source close to the club added. ‘When you are treated as a professional and paid well, you are expected to act like one. Playing in unsanctioned social tournaments not only exposes players to injury risks, but also undermines the authority of the club.’
Indeed, participation in informal competitions carries serious risks. Clubs invest heavily in their players, both financially and physically. Any injury picked up outside official matches or training sessions can disrupt team plans and impact performance in key fixtures. For a club like Centre Chiefs, which prides itself on structure and ambition, such behaviour is unacceptable.
The Easter tournament reportedly attracted players from various levels, including amateurs and semi-professionals. However, for contracted Premier League players, taking part without approval is widely seen as a violation of professional ethics and a lack of respect for the sport.
Football analysts say the incident highlights a growing concern within the local game – the blurred line between social football and professional responsibility. While love for the game may drive players to participate in community events, there must be clear boundaries at the professional level.
‘Professional players must understand that their careers come first,’ one analyst noted. ‘You cannot mix professional obligations with social tournaments without consequences. It disrespects the game, the club, and the league.’
For the suspended players, the consequences could extend beyond missing matches. Their actions risk damaging their reputation among supporters, teammates, and management. Rebuilding that trust will require discipline, accountability, and consistent performance upon their return.
Centre Chiefs, meanwhile, will hope the incident serves as a lesson rather than a long-term setback. The club remains focused on its season objectives and is determined to uphold high standards both on and off the pitch.
As Botswana football continues to grow, incidents like this underline the importance of professionalism in protecting the image of the game. At Centre Chiefs, the message is clear: being a professional footballer is a privilege – and failing to respect that is, ultimately, disrespecting football itself.