The arrangement, which requires teams travelling to distant parts of the country to fulfil two fixtures before returning home, was adopted at the First Division North’s general assembly amidst financial challenges and the absence of a league sponsor.First Division North secretary, Isaac Mabuta, told MmegiSport that the decision was largely driven by the need to reduce the financial burden of travelling, particularly for teams covering long distances to destinations such as Shakawe and Kasane.He explained that teams could play on Friday and Sunday, allowing them to fulfil two fixtures during one trip instead of making separate journeys. “If a team is going to Shakawe, for instance, they play two games before they come back. They agreed to play on Friday and Sunday. They could play in Shakawe on Friday and, on their way back, play in Maun on Sunday. It was their decision,” Mabuta said. However, he acknowledged that whilst the arrangement offers financial relief to clubs, it comes at a cost to players and the overall quality of the competition. Mabuta said the schedule could compromise player welfare through fatigue whilst creating an uneven playing field, particularly when a team playing its second consecutive match faces an opponent that is well rested. “It is a measure aimed at reducing costs, but on the other hand, it affects the welfare of the players and the competitiveness of the league. If a team plays twice, it could end up facing a team that is fresh,” he said.The geographical spread of the northern region has also brought the league’s structure into question, with a proposal expected to be tabled at the next Botswana Football Association (BFA) assembly to consider splitting the First Division North into three regional competitions.Mabuta said the proposal seeks to address the travelling distances by grouping teams according to their geographical locations. Under the suggested arrangement, Kasane could be accommodated in the Francistown-based league, whilst teams from Shakawe, Maun, and surrounding areas could compete in another grouping.He said the proposal was informed by the challenges associated with covering the vast northern region, although it would still require consideration and approval at the BFA assembly. Meanwhile, not all clubs have embraced the consecutive fixture arrangement, with some having already indicated that they are unwilling to play matches on back-to-back days.The league has also had a delayed start following licensing challenges that left some teams unable to secure the necessary approval to participate in the competition.
