'Muti boy' disrupts game
Over the past weekend, the specter of muti rituals loomed large once again during the intense last 16 match between Security Systems and Gaborone United at Dinaledi Academy Stadium. However, this time, troubling new development occurred as a new trend emerged in this unfortunate superstitious practice. In the backdrop of the crucial game, a ball boy found himself in trouble after he being forcibly removed from the pitch by match officials due to his alleged involvement in a suspected muti ritual.
In plain view of spectators, the ball boy was observed holding an object believed to be linked to a ritual, particularly conspicuous during a crucial penalty kick. Tensions soared as the situation escalated, with the ball boy resisting officials' attempts to escort him off the field.
As murmurs of disbelief spread among the crowd, match officials eventually managed to remove the ball boy from the pitch, still clutching the suspicious object. The chaotic episode unfolded as the ball boy positioned himself directly behind the goal post during a pivotal penalty kick taken by Gaborone United, his actions reportedly appearing incongruous to witnesses.
The match officials successfully settled the matter, allowing the penalty shootout to proceed without further incident. Despite the distraction, Gaborone United emerged victorious with a final score of 6-5. Interestingly, neither of the teams involved has claimed responsibility for the young ball boy's actions, adding a layer of mystery to the already unusual events that unfolded during the match.
The entire incident lasted a significant amount of time, estimated to be more than 5 minutes, and caused a noticeable disruption to the penalty shootout. The prolonged disturbance not only disrupted the flow of the game but also marred the overall atmosphere of the match.
Speaking anonymously after the match, a seasoned football administrator acknowledged that rituals are not uncommon in the world of football. However, he expressed surprise to the use of a ball boy to hold ritualistic objects. The administrator further suggested that this practice might persist and evolve as clubs continue to seek ways to enhance their performance on the field, especially during crucial cup matches.
The Botswana Football League recently issued a statement expressing their opposition to the disruptive use of special projects and applications on the pitch. In their statement, they emphasized that the Botswana National Sports Commission is against clubs conducting such activities on the grass. The league further noted that failure to abide by these guidelines would be considered misconduct, and appropriate actions will be taken against the offending clubs.