MOUNT Gambier Pioneers supporters will have some agonising days ahead given the looming decision about its future.
Pioneers administrators met with basketball regulators in Melbourne on Monday to try and broker a pathway forward for the Pioneers.
While details of the crucial meeting are bound by a confidentiality agreement between all parties, Pioneers president Tom Kosch said yesterday it was a positive meeting.
He foreshadowed an outcome would be known “within seven days” as discussions between Basketball Australia, Basketball Victoria and their South Australian counterpart continue.
The 30-year-old basketball club has been thrown into disarray following the league it was playing in – the South East Australian Basketball League – being dismantled.
While a new elite league – managed by Basketball Victoria – has now been created, basketball administrators have blocked the Pioneers from the restructured league.
Basketball Victoria has also rejected a bid by the Pioneers to join its “Big V” competition, which is a semi professional league.
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Mr Kosch said club officials were working hard to find a competition next year.
“Discussions are ongoing and are confidential – we want to continue to work towards a solution,” Mr Kosch said.
“We are working together to find a solution.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell – who has been outspoken on the issue – yesterday commended the board of the Pioneers for not giving up the fight despite being thrown a string of hurdles.
“Tom Kosch and the entire board must be commended for the efforts they have gone to save the Pioneers,” Mr Bell said.
“This is what we need to do as a community – to stand up and fight for Mount Gambier and against the injustice that is occurring.”
The independent MP said it was vitally important the Pioneers were “not left out in the cold”.
He said the Pioneers provided an important springboard for aspiring regional basketballers.
Basketball Australia and Basketball Victoria have given little public comment about the ousting of the Pioneers from the newly restructured league.
This is despite the new league including a number of teams from Tasmania and Albury/Wodonga.
