11 Nov 2019

Debswana First Division, North derby between arch-rivals Sankoyo Bush Bucks and Maun Terrors ended in chaos some minutes after the last whistle.

A fight erupted between the supporters after a game that was played at Maun Sports Complex over the weekend as one supporter from the host Maun Terrors attacked Sankoyo goalkeeper over the soccer boots which he borrowed him.

Immediately after the referee blew the whistle to end the game, the supporters invaded the pitch as there was no security to stop them at the gates.

Although both teams shared the spoils, it seemed the supporters did not accept the results the two teams were hoping for a win to increase points in the log standing.

The teams played to a 2-2 draw during a heated encounter which attracted a lot of supporters. Sankoyo went into the game at 5th position while their opponent were on position 4.

However, management from both teams expressed disappointment in an interview about the unfortunate incident, saying it tarnished the good names of their clubs.

Sankoyo Bush Bucks chairperson, Sekai Morotsi said there was no formal communication in regard to the unacceptable behaviour. He, however, said they would follow the issue to find the root cause.

“We were shocked to see supporters fighting in the pitch and we heard that they were fighting over the soccer boots which were borrowed by our goalkeeper,” he said.

He attributed the incident to lack of security at the playground, noting it was the responsibility of the host to intensify security for the safety of players and referees.

With the absence of security, he believed that the referee could have stopped the game to address the issue first. He said it was not the first time they played without security, noting that it seemed the relevant authority was undermining first division games.

Maun Terrors manager, Dikgathatso Kebonethebe said he anticipated the unfortunate incident despite efforts to counsel supporters prior to the game.

He expressed his disappointment noting that he made efforts to talk to the fans to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner and also accept any results.

Kebonethebe admitted that as the host they had failed to meet the security requirement because of financial constraints adding that they managed to bring only four security officers which he said were not enough.

He revealed that the game attracted a lot of attention and each team wanted to prove a point while on the other hand, their opponents were fighting hard to trace their roots to the premier league.

Meanwhile, the game started at a high note as both teams pilled pressure on each other and it was Sankoyo which scored first within 10 minutes of the first half through Molebeledi Diveve’s well taken shot.

Both teams performance was superb, especially in terms of their exchanges and creating chances. The scenario prevailed until the end of the first half.

After recess, Maun Terrors took control of the game as they seemed to have gained tempo making numerous attacks on their opponents.

They equalised in the 46th minute through an easy goal by Gofaone Lesitamang.

The goal left Sankoyo boys reeling in shock but that did not dampen their morale as they increased their pace until Ontebanye Xaa stepped up to convert a spot-kick sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score the second goal in the 55th minute.

On the other hand, the host had several chances to come back into the match but they squandered them.  

While Sankoyo thought they took the lead, Maun Terrors’ Brian Kedisitse came back and equalised in the 90th minute and the match eventually ended in 2-2 draw. ENDS