The last kicks of a dying derby

Surprisingly, the “debate square” is silent on what in the past used to be a critical subject.  A meeting between Gaborone’s glamour clubs, Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU) was always on the agenda at the famous meeting spot where various topical issues are fiercely debated. But this week, the neglected Gaborone derby is not one of the priorities, instead, the AFCON tournament has even moved ahead on the ‘trending’ list. The blue half of town is silent and so is the red side; the vibe is long gone. Most fans argue since GU emerged from a harrowing five-year stay in the First Division, the derby has never been the same. Former GU midfielder, Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane said his boyhood side has failed to live up to expectations in the past few seasons, which might have affected the derby.  Mochudi Centre Chiefs have zoomed past GU to assume the role of Rollers’ most fierce rival in the last six seasons.

Selolwane said the football culture is changing, which has had an effect on the derby.