Gunners sceptical of double headers
FOOTBALLLobatse BTC Premiership outfit Extension Gunners this week declared their doubts with the re-introduced double header games. Gunners' spokesperson Willoughby Kemoen did not mince words when he declared that the double header system will not work for the Peleng side.
The double headers were re-introduced by the Botswana Premier League this season in a bit to pull more supporters to the stadium and assist teams that do not command a lot of support. “We want every team to sell their tickets going forward because the support base is not the same. Gunners have been slotted in more double headers than any other team. We have about five double headers and the BPL must rectify this,” Kemoen said.
The Mapantsula mouth piece went on to address the ticketing system during double header games. Kemoen said they intended to consult their rival teams so that tickets could be split on a 50-50 basis during both home and away games.“We cannot be imposing on the supporters and expect them to pay tickets for teams they do not support. Some supporters may choose to come to the games later than usual to watch the teams they support during double header games.”
The BPL announced the return of the double header fixtures at its Annual General Assembly earlier this year. Addressing affiliates at the AGA, BPL Vice Chairman, Solomon Mantswe said two games will be played back to back at a chosen venue. “This will not only be about generating revenue for smaller teams with less number of supporters.
The double feature concept will improve attendance at the games and provide much needed sponsorship mileage,” Mantswe said. Meanwhile Gunners are expected to face Gaborone United at the University of Botswana Stadium this evening (Friday).