First Division kicks into action

FOOTBALL
Action is the fiercely competitive Debswana First Division North and South started on a high note this past weekend. National Division clubs like Gilport Lions, Tafic Football Club (FC) and Union Flamengo Santos kick-started their campaign with noteworthy wins.
Both First Division North and North season kicked into action a little bit later into the year and supporters have been waiting with bated breath.

This week, local football pundits, Kagiso ‘Fox’ Phatsimo told BG Sport this week that it is still too early to get agitated as there is still a long marathon ahead, “I would like to congratulate all the teams who recently relegated, Gilport Lions, Union Flamengo Santos and Tafic FC from the Botswana Telecommunications (BTC) Premiership league for their great wins but there is still a long way to go,” he said.

Phatsimo further commented on the general impacts of the delayed kick-off of the domestic football. “Consistent delay of our league affect teams, as we are all aware that our teams are struggling financially; issues of paying players and player transportation is a cause of concern as clubs will be forced to provide these needs from their pockets. Furthermore, the mental and physical fitness of players is affected as well as the morale of the fans,” Phatsimo said.

Quizzed about the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and Baboneng Film Production relationship in the broadcasting of local First Division matches live through Maru TV, Phatsimo said, “Educating local football administrators on this aspect of development of our football is vital as they will be taught issues that are in line as per the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) rules of broadcasting matches, the officials need to be drilled as the league will be watched by different nations in the Southern Region,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Debswana First Division North and South action is expected to continue this weekend with Matebejana entertaining Mogoditshane Fighters, Union Flamengo Santos facing off with Broadhurst United, and Blue Rangers playing host to Black Rangers, all on Saturday; then on Sunday; Mochudi Rovers will be up against Gilport Lions and lastly Modipane United will lock horns with Red Sparks.

In the Northern side of the country, Nico United will rub shoulders with Great North Tigers (GNT), Francistown City Greens will take on Tafic FC, and Eleven Angels will be up against Real Movers. And the clash of titans will be Motlakase Power Dynamos against Sua Flamingoes, Green Lovers will take on Palapye All Stars and Calendar Stars will be home against Morupule Wanderers FC.