Heat wave might force juggling of fixtures
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday January 15, 2014 15:18
Over the weekend, temperatures in Gaborone soared to 36 degree Celsius, which could have been the reason behind two players collapsing during league matches.
Thebe Maiketso of BDF XI and SenatlaMolefe of UniaoFlamengo Santos collapsed on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
BPL chairman Mike Molefhe told Mmegi Sport that they were also concerned about the heat. He said the lives of the players were paramount and something should be done soon. Molefhe explained that BPL was yet to approach be MOBILE and Botswana Television to discuss the change of fixtures.
Regarding the poor lighting at Molepolole Sports Complex, Molefhe said the matter had not been brought to their attention, adding that the matter was administrative and would be dealt with.
Meanwhile, BDF XI secretary general Isaac Letsholathebe said Maiketso was fit and had started training with the team.
He said that the change of fixtures lay with the BPL and BTV and not the teams.
He said that they expected something would be done especially that BPL CEO Bernard Mamelodi and Molefhe were watching the game between Santos and Mochudi Centre Chiefs when a Santos player collapsed.
An official of Santos, MosupiKeataretse, said television was money but the lives could not be bought. He said it seemed league officials intended to act after lives had been lost. He suggested that games should start at 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm when the temperature had gone down. Keataretse said players could not perform to their best when it was hot. He said even supporters were not attending games in numbers due to the heat.
A football administrator, Victor Sebolao, said the welfare of players must be taken into consideration when fixtures are tailored. He said the hot conditions were killing football, which they were trying to promote.
Some of people feel that BTV should change its programmes to accommodate local games just like they normally do with international tournaments such as AFCON games.