Neglected Francistown stadium takes centre stage
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday February 5, 2024 18:37
An hour before kickoff, groundsmen had an arduous task of clearing an overgrown grass inside the pitch area. The once-vibrant stadium has fallen into a state of neglect, with overgrown grass even surrounding the pitch (non-playing area). It was also evident that the pitch area requires a comprehensive plan for restoration.
The dilapidated field and non-playing area sparked concerns among football fans who raised questions about maintenance and revitalisation efforts made to ensure that the venue is always in good condition. There was a consensus that the poor state of the venue is not a good spectacle to sponsors and other key stakeholders of the Botswana Football League (BFL).
Although the overall poor status of the stadium was largely attributed to lack of maintenance by the Francistown City Council (FCC), which is the custodian of the stadium, BFL operations manager, Patrick Motsepe said Angels as the hosts must have timely ensured that the ground is in a good state to host the match.
“Often times, if the host team does not provide a good venue, then the league can fixture them in a ground suitable to host a match,” Motsepe said. Meanwhile Angels’ coach, Seemo Mpatane who had made several changes on Saturday, said that he expected his team to triumph against Systems. “We played them last week (Systems) and we were unlucky to lose it at the end in Lobatse. We knew how they will set up today especially on the wings. They have wingers who have pace. We made several changes to counter their style of play.
We deserved to win today, and credit must go to the boys because this is our first win against Systems,” Mpatane said. Motswhwari Goitseone gave Angels the lead in the 14th minute from close range before Desmond Mtokufa scored the second a minute after the break. It was Mtokufa’s first start for Angels this season. Despite his sound qualities, he was not registered during the first half of the season as Angels had exhausted their quota. Relegation threatened Angels were solid in all departments. On the other hand, Systems never looked like a side capable of getting back into the match after conceding the first goal and were lucky not to concede more.
The teams
Angels: Tambani Bachopi, Quinton Mokoka, Kefilwe Sekgopi, Mbaakanyi Makafiri, Marcus Maokaneng, Mooketsi Simon (Bakang Mpatane), Ofentse Mbaiwa, Kudzani Sibanda, Ogotseng Keletso (Tebogo Ishmael), Desmond Mtokufa, Motshwari Goitseone
Systems: Maikano Tladinyane, Daniel Montshiwa, Michael Tinye, Tebogo Kopelang, Bophelo Macheng, Walter Sande, Bokang Rathipana (Tawana Mbakile), Tshepho Keselebale (Raymond Wetshooteng), Kenanao Kgetholetsile, Emmanuel Agyei (Mpapi Chinyepi), Kgotelo Kotelo (Anderson Makolwantwana)
Angels 2 (Goitseone 14th, Mtokufa 46th) Security Systems 0