Mikia Kalati
THE Premier league Management Committee (PLMC) and the premier league sponsors, Vodacom Lesotho, yesterday jointly apologised to the country’s fourteen premier league clubs for the delayed payment for their prize monies of the 2016/17 season that ended in May.
The two parties are also yet to stage the Annual Vodacom Premier League Awards.
The joint apology came against the background of disaffection among premier league clubs who are concerned that less than a month before the start of the 2017/2018 season, they have not received their prize monies for the previous season.
“The Premier League Management Committee and Vodacom Lesotho have noted the publicity surrounding the delayed payment of the prize monies to the VPL Clubs for the 2016/2017 season on the social media platforms,” reads part of their joint statement released yesterday.
“PLMC has been made aware of the circumstances that affected the payment of the prize monies; and has been assured by the sponsor that once resolved, the funds will be released to PLMC to disburse to the recipients.
“PLMC will continue to engage with Vodacom Management and all concerned parties to swiftly address this matter.”
The statement further explained that they were both “saddened and regretful of the situation”.
“Vodacom Lesotho and PLMC have noted in the recent weeks the impact this delay has caused to the clubs/teams’ preparations for the upcoming 2017/2018 season. We are both saddened and regretful of the situation and are working tirelessly to resolve the issues in the way.
“We are also extremely appreciative of all the affected parties’ patience; especially the premier league teams, players, administrators and the PLMC, in handling and dealing with this sensitive matter.
“We will continue to build on our strong relationship together and we sincerely apologise for this delay, we have taken this experience as a lesson to help us improve our process in the future.”
League champions, Bantu, are expected to pocket M200 000 and runners up, Lioli, M100 000.
