Officials appeal for peace during Kabelano

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday June 29, 2007 00:00

The two-blood rivals meet in the second semi-final at 11.30am in the one-day spectacular after the first game between Notwane and Gaborone United.
Chiefs and Rollers' supporters are notorious for fighting each other, perhaps because they sit in adjacent stands on the northern side of the stadium. About five years ago during the Kabelano Charity Cup, a number of people were injured seriously in a fight between Chiefs and Rollers' supporters. But things seem to have improved of late since Rollers' return from the lower division almost three seasons back.

 
But officials from both sides are not taking chances and have pleaded with supporters not to engage in hooliganism. 'Both sets of supporters should behave well on Saturday. It is important for the supporters to understand the motive of this day. They have to go out there to enjoy football and accept the outcome,' said Chiefs' publicity officer Clifford Mogomotsi yesterday. He added that hooliganism is not tolerated and they will have marshals to ensure that nobody misbehaves.

Chiefs' fans are favourites to become supporters of the season during the Mascom Premier League awards next Friday at the Gaborone Sun. Rollers' supporters currently hold the title. 'It will be bad for them (Chiefs' supporters) to spoil everything a few days before the awards,' said Mogomotsi. Rollers' spokesperson Kaizer Sekaba shared the same sentiments. He said that the day is meant to enjoy football and not to engage in hooliganism. 'We're going there to watch and enjoy beautiful football, not to fight.

I urge not only our supporters to behave on the day. We should continue our friendship which has always prevailed off the field,' said Sekaba. The Rollers' man said that good behaviour from the fans will help to attract sponsors for both clubs.
The organisers of the event have made it clear that they will not let alcohol into the stadium in a bid to guard against hooligans.