02 Sep 2015

 Euphoria has engulfed Francistowners for the fixture of the mighty senior national team, the Zebras against the Stallions of Burkina Faso at the newly opened 26 500 seater Francistown National Stadium on Saturday (September 5).

 Ever since that announcement, Francistown residents have not been able to conceal their excitement, in the process painting the city blue, black and white. Zebras replica and merchandise can be spotted all over the country’s second city by eager residents who await the much anticipated encounter.

 Botswana flags fly on taxis, Francistowners can be spotted around putting on funky Zebras wrist bangles; Zebras bucket hats and other various senior national team regalia, which has been flying off shelves around the Francistown markets lately.

“This is going to be the biggest event in Francistown, perhaps the biggest in Botswana this year. So, yes, we are very excited that BFA decided to take the game here. I am really happy,” said Lesego Moepi, a third year tertiary student at Ba-Isago University.

 Another resident of Francistown, Karabo Siiwa of Bluetown location said he was optimistic that the hosting of the Zebras game at the new Francistown stadium was the beginning of exciting sporting events for them as residents of the second city.

“The Francistown stadium is ready to be the official village for the senior national team. That stadium is world class and we are going to fill it to the last seat. We have long been anxiously waiting for this day to come and it is finally here,” he said.

Business wise too, vendors are also preparing for the soccer thriller to make money and smile all the way to the bank after the game.

 “I will be selling food at the stadium and I am sure I will make a huge profit this Saturday,” said Moses Kolagano who sells cooked food along the Chinese shops next to the railway station.

Taxi drivers have also not been left behind in this upcoming euphoria that has enveloped the city.

“We expect people from surrounding villages like Borolong, Tonota, Tutume, Sebina, Marapong and as far as Gaborone to come. My combi is fixed and ready for the day,” said Tshabaesele Denido, a combi driver manning the Francistown-Sebina route.

A Tirelo Sechaba participant at Francistown Regional Labor Office, Gofaone Mashona predicted a nil-all-draw for this Saturday encounter. Ends