Orapa, Galaxy send unambiguous message
Mqondisi Dube | Friday April 7, 2017 18:03
The second half of last season was marred by countless boardroom squabbles that turned the unusually lengthy campaign into a damp squib. Football was no longer the beautiful game and when the champions were eventually crowned just before August instead of May, fans were fatigued. They were elated to see the back of the 2015/2016 crisis ridden season.
The 2016/2017 season has largely been devoid of controversy on the pitch, but off the field, prickly issues continually crop up. The courts of law have becomes synonymous with local football with countless battles easily finding their way into the courtroom.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Township Rollers, Gaborone United, the Botswana Premier League and crucially, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) have become regulars at the High Court, hardly an ideal way to grow football and turn professional.
Lack of funds has hampered national team activities, with the Zebras probably creating their own piece of history after going for nearly seven months without action. The team was last on the pitch on September 30, 2016 and only returned to action a fortnight ago, going down 2-0 to Tanzania.
While off the field matters threaten to hold back progress on the pitch, the undoubted talent in Botswana was laid bare in front of thousands of fans who turned up to watch the Mascom Top 8 final in Francistown last week.
Relatively young sides, Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy played brilliant football and gave the fans what they pay through the turnstiles for. Both sides managed to draw a sizable crowd for teams that are not huge crowd pullers.
They provided proof that a final does not necessarily have to involve traditional giants or crowd pullers to be a success. In fact the last Saturday night display ranks as one of the most exciting finals locals fans have watched in recent times.
There was passion, skill and seven goals in 120 minutes of exhilarating football, which reminded fans why Botswana football has been on an upward trajectory until recent seasons.
There was proof that with the right management, sponsorship and competitions, teams are ready to deliver.
Authorities at BFA would feel there is still sufficient room for the FA cup and may be a season-opening top four, to make each campaign exciting with everything to play for. As it stands, other than the top eight and the Premiership title there is little else to play for.