Mixed feelings over return of spectators
Supporters allowed to fill only 20 percent of stadium venues
While the Botswana Football League (BFL) is expected to resume towards the end of this month, stakeholders are engaged on the right approach towards achieving the objective. Some elite league teams, including, Notwane FC and Township Rollers have come out in the open and made their views known on the recent announcement regarding the return of spectators following the Covid 19 sports ban.
In a brief interview this week, Notwane spokesperson Mogomotsi Orapeleng said they need several approaches to ensure that fans get back to the groove of local football since most are now used to the comfort of their homes where they watch a lot of international football.
“For now, we don’t know how the 20 percent will work; we don’t know which of our supporters we will leave outside the venue while we only accommodate a few. We have a big fan base honestly and we need to come up with many criteria and approaches to this issue.”
Township Rollers, one of the biggest football brands in the country, welcomed the return of supporters as they solely depend on gate takings and have been having it tough during the pandemic. Speaking in a recent interview, Township Rollers mouthpiece, Phempherethe Pheto said the development is welcome. “Although 20 percent is just a small number
we have to appreciate that it’s better than nothing, at least we will have fans at the stadiums.”
The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tuelo Serufho recently directed a letter to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Sports and Culture Development (MYSC), Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), Director of Public Health and several others stakeholders.
The letter addresses the manner in which the sport fraternity will welcome fans back to sports venues through a systematic and phased approach to minimize the risks of both athletes and spectators.
Only events of BNSC and BNOC registered national sport associations shall allow spectators provided that permission is obtained from the BNSC and the venue will be filled up to 20 percent of its capacity, it will be compulsory to wear masks and maintain socially distancing.
This shall be from the 8th to the 16th October 2021. Phase two will focus on the moderate capacity with the guidelines expected to be released on October 18, just a few days before the start of the football season on 22 October.
However, the phase two guidelines and implementation will depend on the outcomes of the first phase. Meanwhile, Phase three will be announced in the future at a time that would have been determined safe for the full capacity of the stadiums.