The day I missed out on Old Trafford chants
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday November 6, 2026 12:42
I sat in the middle tier, beneath the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, row 19, seat 110. The stand has a seating capacity of 26,000. Unfortunately, the defeat put a damper on my hopes of experiencing the deafening chants from the Stretford End or hearing the iconic ‘Glory Glory Man United’ song blaring through the stadium speakers.
Preparations for my trip to Manchester began in September, when I won an opportunity through BetXplosion Botswana to travel to the United Kingdom. The purpose was to experience an English Premier League (EPL) match first-hand and gain insight into the sporting experience as part of the company's EPL partnership and associated initiatives.
BetXplosion is currently running its ‘Live Your Joy’ campaign, which gives football fans an opportunity to win a trip for two to watch their favourite EPL team. Of course, travelling to the UK required a visa. Having previously had a Schengen visa application rejected, I approached the process with some anxiety. It was neither straightforward nor cheap, requiring a mountain of supporting documents, including a marriage certificate.
Fortunately, four days later, my application was successful. My dream of visiting the UK was finally becoming a reality. On departure day, I arrived at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport two hours before check-in. I spent some precious moments with my wife, Neo, before jetting off. It was a bittersweet farewell, knowing I would not see her for a week. Back in the village, my mother was equally concerned, particularly about the prospect of flying.
“Are you sure that thing stays in the air that long?” she asked.
The itinerary involved flying from Gaborone to OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a 10-hour flight to Amsterdam. However, as we prepared to connect to our final destination, bad weather disrupted our plans and delayed the flight. Manchester did not exactly roll out the red carpet when I arrived. The cold hits differently there. It is wet, penetrating, and seems to work its way straight into your bones. Fortunately, I had packed enough warm clothes to withstand the conditions.
I was welcomed at the airport by my host, Geoffrey Mothoogae of EPL Sports Promotions. We boarded a train before completing the journey with an Uber ride to Bolton, about 16km outside Manchester, where I was accommodated. Along the way, my thoughts drifted towards food. I was particularly looking forward to a proper English breakfast, not forgetting the famous fish and chips. A day before the match, I embarked on the Old Trafford stadium tour. If Manchester's weather was anything to go by, the people were a complete contrast. Almost everyone I encountered was warm and welcoming.
My first stop was the United Trinity statue outside the stadium, featuring three Manchester United legends: George Best, Denis Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton. What struck me most, however, was not the club's impressive collection of trophies, although its archives are a treasure trove of silverware and history. It was the tribute to the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, particularly the clock permanently stopped at 3:04, commemorating the tragedy that claimed 23 lives, including eight Manchester United players.
There is also a statue of Sir Alex Ferguson overlooking the stadium from atop the stand bearing his name, almost as if he is still keeping watch over the club he helped transform. The tour took us through the dressing room and press room, with a sneak peek into the Directors' Box, located in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. This is where club directors, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and their guests watch matches.
For a United fan from Gaborone who has only known the stadium through television, walking through the players' tunnel was an emotional experience. Our tour guide played ‘Glory Glory Man United’ as we made our way down the tunnel and onto the pitch. I also had the opportunity to sit in the players' dugout, another special moment that brought me closer to the club I have supported since childhood.
I also noticed the English people's love for beer and fast food. Food outlets were packed, with supporters making the most of the matchday atmosphere. After the game, I grabbed a drink and chicken katsu curry at Hotel Football, located directly opposite Old Trafford. The hotel is owned by a group of former Manchester United players: Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville.
Ultimately, my Manchester trip was about much more than the 90 minutes on the pitch. It was an opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream of visiting the UK and experiencing the English football culture first-hand. I had also travelled through some of the world's major airports, including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Whilst I did not get to meet any Manchester United players face-to-face, that did little to take away from the experience.
The 3-0 defeat may not have been the result I had travelled thousands of kilometres to witness, but the memories of Old Trafford, the stadium tour, and the entire journey will stay with me forever. It was, without doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.