Fans drag feet ahead of Bafana clash
Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday July 13, 2017 15:15
The game is scheduled for the Francistown Sports Complex, which has been recording dwindling attendances of late. Francistown Zebras supporters committee vice chairperson, Kemisetso Tshiamo said they are facing a mammoth task in trying to activate the supporters ahead of the Saturday clash.
“Truly it has always been easy (activations) because people were always excited and looking forward to the matches,” he said.
“Now we find ourselves at crossroads because of issues of players welfare that made headlines recently. People are really hurt by the troubles that have been surrounding the Zebras lately.
“There is no hype, there is less interest and supporters no longer attend our meetings as they did previously. It is for the first time since the Zebras came to Francistown that we can’t measure the numbers to expect for the game.”
Tshiamo said although they are facing an uphill challenge they have not given up on the supporters and they are working around the clock to have as many supporters from the city and the surrounding areas as possible.
As of Tuesday, only 3,000 tickets had been sold, BFA spokesperson Tumo Mpatane revealed. Mpatane said although the situation is not looking good, they still believe Batswana will come out and buy tickets before match day.He said they will host a number of activations in Tonota and different locations here on Thursday and Friday.
“Ticket (sales) are slow. It is probably because the team has not been doing well lately but this is the time the 12th man should show their worth,” he said.
“We are bringing the team to our Friday morning activation at the (Francistown) bus rank. We want to bring the players to the people and sell tickets as well as our replica jerseys. We believe our supporters will not disappoint.”
The Zebras are scheduled to arrive in Francistown on Thursday.