Rain Ruins Day One Of Cricket Qualifiers
Mqondisi Dube | Monday May 20, 2019 12:19
Uganda is the host for the continental finals, as two teams look to book a berth in the final qualifying round scheduled for the United Arab Emirates in October and November, this year.
Botswana was due to meet Namibia in the opening match, but rain had the final say, as even the toss was not possible at the Lugogo Stadium in Kampala.
The match-up between the two neighbours was expected to be an exciting affair, after their last meeting during the regional qualifiers, played in Gaborone last November, produced fireworks.
Yesterday’s other match between Nigeria and Ghana was also called off due to a waterlogged pitch at the Kyambogo Cricket Oval in Kampala.
The hosts, Uganda, were due to play Kenya in a lunchtime kick-off, although prospects of the match going ahead were gloom due to the rains.
There would be hope that the skies clear, as Botswana prepare for a tough encounter against Uganda today at 1:30pm at the Lugogo Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) has processed over due appearance fees for the national cricket team.
The players were owed for last year’s two tournaments, the World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup, both which were played in Gaborone.
“It is true that they were not paid for their last tournaments.
However, I am happy to inform you that BCA has been credited all outstanding amounts. They will do all payments as soon as they are ready,” BNSC sports development director-technical, Bobby Gaseitsiwe said.
He said the delays are, at times caused by mistakes in submitting requests.
“It is just that the process of requesting for funds and being credited to BNSC sometimes takes sometimes. Mistakes on the requests are sometimes identified at MYSC (Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development) and we will be expected to correct and that can take time.
“We really thank NSA (National Sport Associations) for being patient with us on delayed payments of appearance fees, but I am happy to confirm that all outstanding appearance fees have been made to the affected codes so that they can pay their athletes and officials,” Gaseitsiwe said, in response to a Monitor Sport questionnaire.