31 Jan 2017

A pandemonium broke out on Saturday at Sharps Grounds after a game between Debswana First Division South sides Sharps Electrical and Notwane was cancelled.

Some supporters tried to force their way into the playground to demand their money back after Sharps Electrical team warmed up for more than 15 minutes, while awaiting arrival of their opponents, Notwane.

However, football elders including former Notwane chairperson, Arnold Somolokae, arrested the situation and had to calm supporters down and address them.

Notwane manager, who was already at the ground, Bikkie Motlaleng, explained that they received communication from First Division South committee last Friday notifying them that all games would not be played due to bad weather.

However, he said according to him, the Sharps Grounds could still be used even after the Friday rains, adding  cancellation of the game had affected his team, given that they had prepared extensively for the crucial encounter.

“Again, congestion of games is always hectic, and remember the second round of the league is scheduled for next week. We are meeting Sharps again, but it could have been ideal for us to have finished with them in the first round and move forward, knowing our place in the first round,” he said.

Sharps Electrical coach, Pio Paul said his management never received any communication that the game was cancelled.

“The cancellation of the game is very strange because, Sharps is here and the referees are also here, even the journalists are here so how come they did not inform all stakeholders about the cancellation,” Paul said.

Paul said his side was ready for the game and even though it was cancelled it would not make them lose focus in the coming games.

“I don’t think the game will be ordered to be played again. We have signed with the match official that the other team failed to honour the game, so it is history. Now we are preparing to meet Notwane again next week in the second round of the league,” he said.

His plan, he said was to take Sharps to the elite league and therefore he would encourage and ensure that his team remained focused.

Contacted for comment, First Division South secretary, Sidney Magagane said he was not aware that games were cancelled.BOPA