Magosi appeal for funds ahead of Gumare trip
Mochudi Centre Chiefs have issued an appeal for financial assistance to fulfil their Orange FA Cup Last 24 match against Gumare City Kings, a journey totalling just over 2, 000 kilometres (about 23 hours drive). The Kgatleng giants faced a considerable trip last weekend for their Last 48 round against Magosi FC of Kang, covering more than 800 kilometres.
“We have a big challenge of finance, and we call upon businesspeople around the country to assist us in honouring our game in Gumare, that is transport, meals, and accommodation,” the club’s spokesperson, Boraro Moseki, emphasised the need for support.
Following their victory in Kang, Chiefs were involved in an accident on their way back, hitting a road sign as the driver tried to avoid a cow. Fortunately, no one was injured, but Moseki noted the impact on their preparations for the upcoming home game against UB Hawks.
“This has obviously affected our training plan since we had to rest players on Monday. We also need some sort of counselling to prepare players psychologically,” he said.
Moseki expressed the club’s clear objective to win the league this season and gain promotion to the elite league, urging supporters to rally behind the team and support the team in every possible way. He addressed the decision to charge P30 for home games, despite disapproval from the First Division
South league committee, explaining it is meant to cover financial needs.
“The issue of P30 is really meant to sustain the team so that we may be able to pay players and meet other financial needs. The system is targeting to frustrate them (supporters) but I request they soldier on. Their confidence in their management is key to achieving the objective,” he said. Moseki also said the matter has always been clouded by personal feelings which ended up sabotaging the club.
“The Santos game was postponed unnecessarily and in the Desert Nxau game, referees came late all in the name of frustrating our supporters. The suspension again was based on a personal opinion which was then lifted the following day,” he said.
The club has been in a dispute with the First Division South League committee over charging P30 for home games instead of the standard P25. The matter is before the Botswana Football League for deliberation, while the club continues to charge P30 for a match ticket and P10 for parking. Chiefs currently sit at position four with 19 points from 12 games, and this weekend, they face UB Hawks in what is expected to be another crowd-puller.
Six points separate them and log leaders, Young Stars. UB Hawks on the other hand are seventh on the table with 16 points. In other interesting league matches scheduled for tomorrow, second-placed Uniao Flamengo Santos take on Desert Nxau at Gabane United grounds and Extension Gunners host Mogoditshane Fighters at Holy Ghost Park. On Sunday, Notwane take on City Polar at SSG grounds while Young Stars host Tlokweng United in Jwaneng. All the matches kick-off at 4.30pm.