06 Jan 2019

The 2018/19 Debswana First Division North (FDN) league will resume on Janaury 12 after the Christmas break.

In a brief interview, the league’s interim secretary general, Thebeetsile Motswaeng stated that it was all systems go for the second leg of the league and  were anticipating an action filled leg.

Looking back, the league’s first leg can be summed up as having been dramatic and unpredictable.

From the first whistle, many of the leagues’ supporters were full of excitement as there were some changes that were to be introduced.

Firstly, the league committee led by Mpezeseni Sambandawe announced the addition of more rural area venues for the games such as Makoro and Pilikwe grounds and the Mmadinare Show grounds. 

The league’s then secretary general, Rapula Gaotlhobogwe had explained was in an effort to take their games to more areas of the north to increase support base.

Another area of excitement was the announcement that some of the games would be broadcast live on television after Botswana Football Association (BFA) and the two first division leagues clinched a broadcasting deal with Baboneng Film Production to air the games on Maru TV, which is hosted by DStv on Channel 291.

With new and experienced coaches like Oris Radipotsane joining one of the league teams, Rapula had promised fireworks at every game.

“We also have a special programme lined-up for our under 17/20 players at the end of the season. We have decided that the best 18 of these young players be selected and we will hire a professional coach to mentor them before we assist them to go for trials with professional South African teams like those in Mvela,” he had said. 

With the issue of injuries always haunting the first division league, Rapula had noted that Debswana had taken a step to train team officials on basic physiotherapy and medical skills to avert career ending injuries.

But then things started to go south when both north and south first division leagues were indefinitely postponed on September 12 after Baboneng Film Production failed to credit the P50 000 grants to all 24 teams. 

However, on October 13, 2018 the first division north league kicked-off at the Francistown Sport Complex with a double header with Tafic taking on cross-town rivals Great North Tigers while another Francistown based side, Calendar Stars faced Serowe based Green Lovers.

To make the first day more of a fanfare, Baboneng Film Production was there with their high tech equipment to capture the Tafic and GNT encounter.

The FDN ran like a well-oiled machine until October 26 when tragedy hit and the league fell into disarray. 

News broke-out that Sua Flamingoes had lost their revered attacking midfielder, Lovemore ‘Satter’ Murirwa in a car accident. The football fraternity fell into mourning as tributes poured in for him. 

As if that was not enough, another north division player, Lesego Matoteng of Morupule Wanderers also succumbed to a fatal car accident.

In between these tragedies, the league received more bad news that the first division north league committee had been suspended.

In a letter dated November 1, 2018 the committee was told that:

“This communique serves to inform that that the national executive committee at its meeting held on 26 October 2018 resolved that the National First Division North League committee has failed to account for funds received by it and that the whole national first division north committee be suspended forthwith pending disciplinary action for failing to account for funds.”

 It further said an interim committee be appointed to oversee the operations of the league pending finalisation of the disciplinary process and also that in the interim, all affairs of National First Division North will be conducted from the office of the secretary general.

The suspended committee showed their displeasure at their suspension accusing forces within the football governing body of playing politics with their matter. They threatened to take legal action

Despite the committee’s suspension, the football family united and the two late players were buried on November 3. Matoteng was buried in Tumasera while Murirwa was buried in Francistown.

In terms of team performances, Tafic goes into the second leg as log leaders after holding on for most of the year, followed by Morupule Wanderers and Sua Flamingoes. 

Having played eight games; winning seven and drawing one, Matjimenyenga led the pack with 22 points. It is hoped they are on form to finish top of the log and gain promotion to the premier league. 

Should they relax, however, Wanderers will capitalise and take the honour. Flamingoes are also in the top flight league promotion race, hoping to rise to the top in honour of Murirwa.

 Newbies of Francistown, Eleven Angels have held their own against seasoned league veterans as they currently occupy position 7. 

Real Movers and Palapye All Stars are really struggling at positions 11 and 12 respectively. Ends