Gaborone clubs catch World Cup fever

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Friday June 11, 2010 00:00

Entertainment mogul, Steve Raman said they will be screening the games on big screens at his three nightclubs; Satchmo's Jazz Cafe, Zoom and Grand West. 

Raman said they would also screen the World Cup games at Ozone nightclub in Lobatse.  He said since the World Cup will be held in neighbouring South Africa, they felt that they should also commemorate the event.  'Of course we can't all travel to South Africa, so we should enjoy the World Cup here,' he said. Raman said football followers would be able to follow their favourite game under a conducive atmosphere.  He added that even though some people have their own television sets at home many prefer to watch the games in a crowd.  He said this enables football followers to discuss the game at half-time.  There are always lively debates at half-time and after the game.  'Of course when your team has scored, you can also celebrate with other fans,' said Raman who would not reveal his favourite team.  He said watching the games with others in a club is almost as good as if you were at the stadium.

He said they are going to mount a big screen and a projector in the courtyard at Satchmo's.  This will be the first time football games have been shown on the big screen at the club, which is normally frequented by jazz enthusiasts.

Raman revealed that they are going to screen all the World Cup games.  He said they are also going to sell their drinks at reduced prices during the World Cup matches. On the other hand, the Grand West has always shown football games on the big screen.  Many Township Rollers victory parties have been celebrated at this joint.  The only setback with this club is that at times they play music at full blast which ends up competing with the match. Hopefully, this will not happen during the games as this would really frustrate fans. When football followers are watching the games, the stakes are high and they do not want to be disturbed. But the three nightclubs will not be the only places with big screens for this World Cup.  However, the only difference is that at Grand West and Zoom in Maruapula, they also cater for impoverished communities.  Some of the people who watch the games at the venues, do not have electricity at their homes.

Others do not have the luxury of owning DSTV decoders.

The marketing manager of the exclusive Phakalane club, Fashion Lounge, Joan Richardson said they have a private booking today (Friday) for the World Cup opening ceremony. 

She said they would also be screening the Saturday game. Richardson said they are going to show the games on a big screen and 10 small television sets.  She said this is the first time they would be screening the World Cup games and they do not know how the reception is going to be. She added that there might also have something for the closing ceremony.

Kombamelo Kgosi of Chez N Temba nightclub in Mogoditshane, said they would also be showing some of the World Cup games.  But he said they do not have special arrangements for the World Cup. The World Cup opening ceremony, which will be a colourful event, will be held today.  The hosts South Africa will be taking on Mexico.  In another group A match, France will be facing Uruguay.