Try put Man Utd games on that time switch

Idon’t know if you are a football fan but if, as I suspect, you are, I have a huge favour to ask of you. I know the power boffins insist load shedding is necessary, but it remains the equivalent of root canal treatment during a visit to the dentist.

But there is a situation I would find even that degree of pain bearable.

Is there any way, Mr President, you can convince those guys who throw the switches and plunge us all into darkness to do so during any football match featuring Manchester United?

My father, who is an avid United fan, lives in the Western Cape. He is not one for keeping in regular contact with his only son, unless his beloved team are on a roll.

If that is the case, I hear from him at least a couple of times a week.

My missus, bless her heart, thought it was “sweet” that Pops was touching base with me so often, but I am on to him and have come to realise it is only to gloat about how well his team are performing.

Not only that, whether I have watched the match on TV or not (and it is unlikely unless they are up against my Arsenal lads), the old man basically delivers a running commentary of what went down in the game.

Earlier in the EPL season, when United were so poor they looked a fair bet for relegation, I never heard from Dad.

And when I called him to catch up, he suddenly had plenty to do every time I mentioned football.

Carefully timed, countrywide load shedding would mean he would miss the United game on TV and spare me the agony of reliving every minute of a match.

I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment and I know it is a lot to ask, but please, Mr President, give my request some serious consideration.

It is one time I won’t mind being left in the dark.