25 Apr 2016

The much awaited women super league game between Township Rollers and Double Action did not take place as match officials did not turn up at Mma-Masire Ground on Saturday.

Spectators came in large numbers to witness crème of women’s football, only to leave the ground with disappointment written all over their faces.

Equally, players from both camps took their warm-up hoping that at the end of 90 minutes it will be clear as to which team won the city bragging rights, only to leave the pitch with disappointment as their body language communicated their displeasure.

Then the million dollar question is, why did referees fail to turn up for such an important fixture, which has a bearing on women super league log standing, Botswana Football Association 

Chief executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng told BOPA that, he was informed that the referees were furnished with old fixtures therefore they were not aware of the Rollers and Double Action meeting.

He however said he had told relevant officers to investigate the truth of the matter, so as to establish the whole truth pertaining to absence of the adjudicators at such an important game.

“As the BFA we do take women football seriously, hence we have delegated someone to investigate,” he said.

Double Action captain, Bonang Otlhagile said it was very disappointing for a game not to be played just because the referees who are very important stakeholders did not turn up for the game.

She said the whole of last week they had been preparing for the game, only to be called off on the 11^th hour.

Her coach, Agreement Podi shared the sentiments, saying the cancellation of such an important fixture was a draw back in the growth of the game.

“It seems we are regressing, in women football to be honest we have prepared for this game well, and we wanted to play against Rollers so that we can focus in our other remaining games,” he said.

Township Rollers player, Lebogang Setereke said all their intensive midweek preparation went in vain. 

She said they had also prepared well for the game, adding that Double Action and Rollers fixture remain important in women football, hence it was disappointing for the referees not to turn up.

She however said, as women they would not despair but they will continue to work very hard and ultimately people will take them seriously.

Rollers assistant coach Khutso Segokgo said they wanted to play and finish with Double Action, and as hosts they tried to talk to Double Action to compromise and find someone amongst the spectators to continue with the game.

“Double Action refused to compromise, they wanted referees from BFA, but we cannot blame them since, they were within their rights, that is how serious the game was,” he said. ENDS