BFA target National Stadium for Togo tie

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 18, 2010 00:00

 

BFA acting chief executive officer, Susan Monametsi said they were in talks with the stadium authorities for the match be staged at the 22,500 seater facility.

'We have made a request to the relevant authorities through the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC). We are waiting for their response,' Monametsi said. The National Stadium has been closed for renovations since 2008 and missed several deadlines despite assurances that it would be ready before the World Cup kicked-off in South Africa in June.

In the meantime, national teams have been using the UB Stadium, with a capacity of less than 10,000 for their home games. It is not clear if the National Stadium is ready with reports that the turf might be re-done because the drainage system is not good. 'If it is not ready they will inform us,' Monametsi said. She stated that it is logical to host Zebras games at the National Stadiums as it has a bigger capacity.

The BFA reported dwindling revenue from the gates attributed to, among others, the closure of the National Stadium.

With the Zebras in pole position to qualify for the 2012 AFCON finals, the BFA would look to cash in on the expected large turnout in the remaining matches and that is why it needs the National Stadium.

Another alternative venue would be the Lobatse Stadium, with a 20,000 capacity. However, the stadium has, like the National Stadium failed to meet several deadlines. The latest date for completion is the end of this month.