Rollers raise dust at Youth Centre

TUMELO SETSHOGO
Correspondent | Friday August 3, 2007 00:00

The field, commonly known by the name 'Mma Masire', is located at Gaborone West. The management of the centre wants Rollers to vacate the ground because 'the activities which are meant for youth recreational purposes have been compromised by Rollers. We don't know who granted them the right to use the ground without paying anything,' National Youth Centre programme officer Gaontebale Mokgosi said.

Mokgosi said that the centre was created by former First Lady Olebile Masire to provide recreational facilities to the Gaborone West youth, 'not for individual teams'. It is said that before Rollers used the venue there was an Under-17 football team whose coach left in frustration by Rollers' presence at the ground. The team was 'tapping' talent from the youth side, which was created by the Centre from young people around Gaborone West area.

'We used to have netball and volleyball teams using part of the ground, they have since left because Rollers now occupies the whole ground with vehicles and supporters during training which leaves no room for our teams to play,' said a worried Mokgosi, adding that there are many things that Rollers is doing on their grounds without consulting them. The football giants reportedly brought their sponsor, Orange without the Centre management's consent. 'We were shocked one day to see big Orange advertising boards at our grounds without being consulted,' he said.

He added that the 'Re ba bona ha' programme by Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) and Botswana Football Association (BFA) used to be conducted at the grounds 'but it didn't succeed' because of Rollers' presence at the grounds.   Former Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) Chief Executive Officer Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo said: 'What I know is that we had an agreement with Rollers and it is up to the new management to deal with them, not me please.'  Rev. Rupert Hambira was not available for comment.

However, the BNYC acting executive director Tina Molatlhegi said: 'Yes, Rollers approached us and their approach needs to be looked into to see whether it will benefit the young people.' She said the issue should not be seen from a personal perspective - in who supports Rollers and why Rollers - 'because even if their idea is good for the development of young people, it will not see the light basing on supporting the team.'
Meanwhile, Rollers' spokesperson Kaizer Sekaba said that the issue that they are about to be shown the door has not formally reached them. 'I will have to consult to find out the truth. What I know is that we have an agreement with the Youth Centre management and we are doing exactly what we have entered into with them,' he said, adding that they are using their resources to maintain the grounds. 'We are grading that ground,' Sekaba said, adding that Rollers have the Under-12 football, volleyball and netball teams, which also use the ground.