The 594-day drought ends
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday October 30, 2021 06:00
Fans have long forgotten the scent of the local game after the action was halted in March last year. A global pandemic and to some extent some administrative challenges have conspired to keep the beautiful game at bay. But the long wait is over as the first whistle in nearly two years will be blown at 3pm tomorrow to signal the start of a season that will stretch to May next year.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifted following the end of the State of Emergency at the end of September, there is an added incentive as a certain number of fans will be allowed into stadia. BFL chairperson, Nicholas Zakhem said it is all systems go as they prepare for the start of the season tomorrow. He said BFL chief executive officer (CEO), Solomon Ramochotlhwane will make further announcements today regarding logistics. “All is in order, we have signed (sponsorship deals) with Botswana Television (Btv), Absa and others hence we are kicking off this Saturday,” Zakhem said.
Regarding live streaming of matches, he said each team is at liberty to do their own arrangements with Btv, the preferred broadcast partner. Ramochotlhwane was quoted as saying they are working on allowing the sale of alcohol at match venues as a way to attract fans. Botswana National Sport Commission CEO, Tuelo Serufho said in an interview with Btv, only venues with bar facilities will be allowed to sell alcohol. (See a full lowdown on the 16 teams on Page 35)