�Special case� Gantsi teams want increased grants
Naledi Lemogang | Friday March 10, 2017 14:48
Black Rangers came, but are gone, while Skoon Boys are on their way out as they anchor the log after a winless stay.
Gantsi region chairperson, Goemeone Letebele told Mmegi Sport he believes distance is his regional teams’ undoing.
He said they travel almost every weekend as other teams are in the southern part of the country, which include Gaborone, Gabane, Ramotswa, Mogoditshane, Mochudi and Tlokweng.
Letebele suggested that Botswana Football Association (BFA) should increase grants for Gantsi region clubs. He said at the moment, the grants are insufficient with most of the funds spent on transport and food.
“We have raised concern with BFA to increase the grant to our clubs. We are a special case and we have challenges that are different from other regions. They cannot expect us to survive on that grant,” he said.
Regarding the short stint in the First Division, Letebele said clubs in his region do not have coaches that have the skills to compete in the league.
He said they intend to empower local coaches through short courses, which can assist them with the technical know-how in order to succeed in the First Division.
“Gantsi Terrors once survived relegation but internal fighting led to the club relegating. Sometimes it comes back to administration not just the performance on the pitch,”Letebele said.
Meanwhile, Skoon Boys caretaker coach, Isaac Mokganya said the club is in a crisis, which forces them to travel overnight before matches.
“We depend on well-wishers such as our area councillor. He always assists us with his vehicle or he pays for a combi to transport us to Gaborone. We are not even sure if we are going to play the remaining fixtures because we do not have money,” a disappointed Mokganya said.
He said there should be some changes in the way First Division grants are issued. Mokganya said he is a volunteer because he does not expect the club to pay him.
The league continues this weekend with Sharps Shooting Stars aiming to increase their lead at the top of the log. Sharps make the short trip to Ramotswa where Letlapeng would be waiting. Unioa Flamengo Santos who are second, welcome Skoon Boys in Gabane.
Prisons host Mochudi Rovers at SSG ground, Notwane travel across town to face Mogoditshane Fighters at the Fighters Ground in other Saturday fixtures.
On Sunday, Black Peril are home to Modipane United at the Tlokweng VDC and the last match of the weekend sees Lesirane up against Matebejane. Kick-off for all games is 3:30pm.