When the city splits
Into two halves of blue and red
e highly anticipated
Gaborone Derby is set to take place this
Saturday at the National
Stadium, generating e xc i tement among football enthusiasts across Botswana. The Botswana
Football League acting CEO, Bennett Mamelodi, said the Gaborone derby is one of the most signi cant matches showcasing the high quality of Botswana’s football scene.
In light of this momentous occasion, the CEO is urging Batswana from all corners of the country to come together and celebrate the derby. He said that this event not only highlights the exceptional talent within Botswana’s football community, but also serves as a unifying force, bringing together fans and supporters in a shared love for the sport.
He emphasized the need to treat the Gaborone Derby with the utmost respect and revive its former glory. Recognizing the derby’s signi cance in Botswana’s football culture and its potential to sell Botswana football to cooperate world, the BFL aims to capitalize on this opportunity to elevate the status of the nation’s football scene. In recent years, the Gaborone Derby has experienced a decline in its prominence due to various factors, including the COVID- 19 pandemic and other challenges. However, the BFL believes that the time is ripe to breathe new life into this historic rivalry and rekindle the excitement it once generated among supporters.
“Somewhere along the line, we seem to have forgotten the true signi cance of the Gaborone Derby. I don’t think we have been doing enough justice to this iconic event. Both teams have experienced growth and amassed exceptional players, along with outstanding administrative support. erefore, it’s essential that their clash is given the honour it deserves. It’s high time we revive the derby and restore its former glory, ensuring that it remains a highlight of Botswana’s football culture,” Mamelodi said.
During the first round of the current Botswana
Pre m i e r L e a g u e season, Township Rollers emerged victorious against Gaborone United with a 2- 1 win. The match was thrilling, with an electric atmosphere and palpable tension.