Sankoyo Ushers In Football Tourism
Boniface Keakabetse | Monday August 18, 2014 11:47
The game against Motlakase Power Dynamos was historic in the sense that it was the first Premier League duel involving a Maun team. Maun people with their reputed love for fun came in droves. It is evident that Sankoyo’s qualification for the Premier League will give more entertainment to football fans in the area. Sedi Setulo, one of the fans who came for the historic moment revealed to The Monitor his ecstasy about being part of the event.
“This moment is like when the 2010 World Cup game kicked off in South Africa,” he said.
Sankoyo supporter, Betty Zambo said she travelled to the stadium from Boyei to watch the game. Among those who attended the event was Sankoyo chief, Timex Moalosi who revealed to The Monitor that he took the last flight from Gaborone where he was attending an official event to come and witness the historic moment.
”I just flew into Maun this evening I could not miss this moment,” he said at half time as Sankoyo led visiting Motlakase Power Dynamos 1-0.
In the run up to the game, social media was abuzz with many sharing news about the coming game. After a lucky penalty gave the home boys the much needed win, fans took to social media again, boasting that Sankoyo is toping the league as this was the first game of the season and the only one played on the day.
Celebrations started at popular street bar, Dark Pound in front of the stadium where revellers clad in Sankoyo t-shirts took to the dance floor.
Given the crowd that attended the Motlakase match, it is certain that when the local boys take on fancied Mochudi Centre Chiefs on August 30, the Maun Sports Complex would for the first time be filled to the rafters. Kgato Motai, veteran football administrator who attended the first game said the glory days of Nhabe football are back. He said for more than 20 years, fans had decided not to attend games adding that it looks like this is bound to change.
Botswana Premier League CEO, Bennett Mamelodi who watched Sankoyo’s first game said Maun Sports Complex which is in a deplorable state, will be repaired soon. “This is a minor issue, which cannot stop people from watching their team here.
The problem will be solved soon,” he said. The game against Motlakase was played in half lit floodlights. Maun Sports Complex manager, Odirile Sibanda, said that the facility has problems with the rest rooms and lighting.
“The tender for this facility’s maintenance was long out but there have been delays. But I promise that next week, the lighting problem will be solved,” he said.