Palapye pledges support for Wandi-Wandi
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday May 24, 2019 12:17
‘Wand-Wandi’ were promoted to the top-flight football after a 4-2 aggregate score win over Jwaneng Fighters in the promotion play-offs. Mmegi Sport took to the streets here to get the views of some of the fans:
Kakanyo Malepeng (Taxi operator)
“It was not fair that a huge village like Palapye did not have a team in the Premiership and I am grateful Morupule has made that a story of the past. It means business for us, if the games come here and I hope they would be played at BIUST (Botswana International University of Science and Technology) (ground). It also means opportunities for players in Palapye, they would have something to look up to and they would work hard. Palapye needed a team in the Premiership.”
Motshwaraganyi Leso
“I started supporting Wanderers when they joined the First Division and I have always been confident that one of these days we will reach the Premiership. We have long waited for Premiership games to come back to Palapye. We have travelled as far as Molepolole and Francistown to watch football and I am hoping Morupule would play home games in Palapye. Pilikwe (playoffs) was exciting and very emotional, a lot of people from Palapye were there and it was a beautiful weekend.”
Motheo Mangwane (Butchery assistant)
“Premiership football is a long awaited development for Palapye and it comes through a team that is backed by the mine. That means we won’t hear everyday cries for money and that players are not paid. It means Wanderers will compete well with the likes of Orapa United, Jwaneng Galaxy and Township Rollers. I watched Premier League matches at Palapye Swallows ground before they were moved away and I can’t wait for its return to Palapye. People are excited and think we are going to fill up the ground when the whistle is blown.”
Constance Johannes (Hairdresser)
“I am a Rollers supporter but I bought a Morupule Wanderers t-shirt for the playoffs. I went with a group of friends and we had the best of time. My friends support Morupule and I don’t think I would miss a match. I will only support Rollers against Morupule, but I will always be behind my home team if we play other teams. It is very exciting that teams are going to come here; it means more entertainment during weekends.”
Kwafela Kebaneilwe (Taxi operator)
“Just like what we always heard was happening at Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy, Morupule had, over the weekend, secured free transport for the supporters to Pilikwe. I just had to buy a ticket to travel to the game. That alone shows me how serious this team is. It promises to bring us football that we would enjoy without a hassle. I am a Rollers supporter, but I will surely rally behind my homeboys in their games. I don’t think I will miss a home match.”
Kealeboga Moekwane
“I am a Motlakase supporter, but I am happy for Morupule. Palapye needs a team in the Premiership that can sustain itself. We have struggled a lot at Motlakase. Morupule would provide a platform for our young players in the same way Motlakase did. There is a lot of potential in Palapye that needs such motivation. I am a keen follower of the Premiership and I will support Morupule, but I am hoping one day Motlakase gains promotion. Palapye cannot live without a derby.”
Boitumelo Gasewame (Barber)
“I am over the moon. I rally a lot behind Extension Gunners but today I am happy for our own Morupule Wanderers. I don’t miss games in Serowe either. There are weekends in the season where there are no games in Serowe when all Central District teams are playing away but I think with the addition of Morupule, we are going to have a game every weekend. There are too many promises with Morupule, the squad is hungry and the team is well taken care of. Teams that are set up like Morupule don’t struggle; Palapye is going to be exciting.”