Top 8 fever engulfs Francistown
Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday February 18, 2016 15:25
The last time the Mascom Cup hit this ground was back in 2012 when then Premier League outfit ECCO City Greens played to a draw against Chiefs at the Old Francistown Stadium.
Although Francistown is not represented in the current edition, the city would come alive on Friday as the biggest game on the local calendar will be played at the new stadium.
Three of the four semi-finals will be played in Francistown while the other leg is at the Itekeng Stadium in Orapa.
Friday night’s epic encounter between Chiefs and Rollers has torched endless discussions around the city. Khumo Moswai, a taxi driver and a Township Rollers supporter, said football games mean more business for them adding that Mascom matches bring a different atmosphere with more entertainment.
“This is going to boost our profits as taxi operators, but as for me my business will have to stop. I don’t work when my team is in town. We have discussed these games with my colleagues and we are waiting for the first whistle, I feel sorry for Chiefs,” he said.
“Mascom is a big cup, the football games are more entertaining and the branding is beautiful, even if your team loses you enjoy the set up. We are happy that they have chosen Francistown and we wish the final comes here too,” he added.
BDF XI supporter Matebetsi Tyman, a combi driver is excited.
“There are no league games, we are going to Orapa to break what many teams have failed to do. We will come and finish them here. Mascom has helped us a lot. We travel long distances every week to support our teams, we have waited since the draw was made now the games are finally here. We can’t wait,” he said.
“Our sales are up; t-shirt sales, caps, flags and stickers are the most sought-after items. I am out of stock and I am waiting for another batch,” said Terence Kebosedilekae, a street vendor.
“We are happy when games come our way. They improve our sales. We have customers talking about the Top 8 every time they come to buy. We encourage people to attend these games in large numbers and maybe the final will also come this way,” he added.