25 Jan 2015

Bedlam almost became the order of the day when the beMOBILE Premier League Category A encounter between Township Rollers and Extension Gunners was delayed as a result of long queues of spectators on Saturday, January 24.

The game started 30 minutes late because dozens of supporters queued outside the National Stadium to buy tickets to watch their teams battling for points to improve their positions on the log.

It appears tickets were not sold in advance for the game and as if that was not enough, only one selling point was used at the stadium which resulted in the congestion.

The situation was bad but as luck would have it, there were no injuries as a result of the congestion despite the “survival of the fittest” way of getting tickets from the selling point.

Botswana Premier League chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi who was closely monitoring the situation, said in an interview that he was not aware if hosts; Township Rollers had sold tickets in advance, and was still awaiting a full report to establish what happened.

Mamelodi explained that in every match, particularly in category A, there was a plan to guide the teams which also had an agreement that gates be opened at 1600 hours.

“We had agreed that all the cubicles should be opened and that did not happen. Only the grand stand cubicle was in operation and that is why there was congestion until we intervened,” he said.

Such debacle, he said was an eye opener for them, however regretting that people were inconvenienced and that would not be tolerated.

Mamelodi said further noted that the security, logistics manager and the host team would submit a report which would be aligned with the agreed operation plan .

“If there is evidence of negligence or non-conformity with laid down guidelines, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

Meanwhile, during the game, fresh from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Police XI, Township Rollers came with guns blazing in their quest to redeem their pride.

Popa was all over Mapantsula Gunners in the opening minutes of the game and it did not come as a surprise when they registered their first goal in the fourth minute via Sekhana ‘Nandos’ Koko.

On the 11^th minute, Segolame Boy received a pass from Koko and put the ball past Gunners goalkeeper, Wagarre Dikago. Gunners were later awarded a corner, well taken by Topo Piet and Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping, who was in a good position, finished it with a header to make it 2-1.

The game went into a recess with Rollers leading 2-1. After break, both teams came determined, and on the 83^rd minute, Jerome Ramatlhakwana received a corner kick from Boy and registered his first goal for Popa to make it 3-1.

Gofaone Tiro made it 4-1 on the 88^th minute. Gunners registered their second goal through Thabiso Mabachi during the referee’s optional time. The 4-2 results see Rollers remaining at the top of the log with 40 points while Mochudi Centre Chiefs are second with 37 points. ENDS