Fans bemoan night Top 8 final kick-off

Staff Writer | Friday February 16, 2018 14:00

 

The organisers of this year’s final have already confirmed the match between Township Rollers and Orapa United will kick-off at 8pm, following the two previous seasons’ pattern.

But some fans have taken to social media, arguing the late evening kick-off presents challenges to supporters travelling in and out of Francistown for the final.

The Francistown Sports Complex hosts its third final in as many seasons.

After this week’s press briefing, where it was announced that the final will once again kick-off in the evening, some fans felt there is need to adjust the time.

“Why can’t it be played in the afternoon so that people from other parts of the country can watch and return to their respective places, since (some) they do not have accommodation in Francistown. Another concern is that of criminal activities, which take place during the night at the stadium,” Enock Mbakile said.

Phemelo Kelebeletse said an earlier kick-off has the potential to attract more fans.

“Imagine if the game was played at 4pm, more people from places like Nata, Sowa, Letlhakane and beyond could come and watch ba itse gore around 6pm, they can start going back to their villages. There is the issue of security as at night, cars (outside the stadium) are broken into. Maybe (the organisers) should look at it from a different angle,” Kelebeletse said. 

Masego Motshubi did not appear amused at the announcement that the game will be played at night.

“Another night game? It should start at least at 6pm.” Kevin Kutlapye shared the same sentiment as Motshubi, arguing the game should kick off at 6pm.

Mascom Top 8 local organising committee (LOC) chairperson, Modisenyane Moreo said they have taken the time issue into consideration. However, he said they attract a good crowd when the final is played at night.

“We did look at the challenges of playing at night, but we realised that we get a good crowd. We are in negotiations with Botswana Railways to have a passenger train that will depart soon after the match,” Moreo said yesterday.