01 Oct 2020

Ipopeng Ward in Francistown staged an Independence Day tournament over the holidays.

Organisers ensured that health protocols were adhered to during the tournament.

Tournament organiser, Thobo Potlako, said in an interview that they were forced to stage a tournament featuring a limited number of spectators in order to observe COVID-19 pandemic protocols.

“At the beginning of the tournament, we had to inform both participants and spectators to observe COVID-19 protocols and we kept a register,” Potlako said.

Again, he said keeping youth off the streets also meant limiting chances of them getting infected by the coronavirus, which continued to spread around the country.

On one hand, he said they had to come up with something that would bring youth together so they would not be idle and end up getting involved in crime as well as indulging in alcohol and drug abuse.

“We had to organise this event because we realised it is good to do something than to stay at home doing nothing. 

An idling mind can lead one to making mistakes so it was important that we kept them a little busy,” he said.

He also indicated that the tournament had in the past produced players who caught eyes of clubs like Ecco City Greens.

The tournament that was played in a knockout form, comprised Mighty Tigers, Town Boys, Young Fighters, Di-Gas and Wolves and was without a sponsor.

In the absence of a sponsor, teams, according to Mighty Tigers official, Goitsemodimo Rebaone, had to each contribute P250 for prizes where the winner walked away with P900 and P350 for second position.

Proceeds would not be used to assist neighbourhood committees as had been the norm.

Rebaone also indicated that they intended to form some partnership with ward development committees in effort to take the tournament to greater heights.

Meanwhile, the tournament organiser thanked supporters for observing COVID-19 protocols.

He also implored the area Member of Parliament to consider sponsoring the tournament or aid in any way possible in assisting them to keep youth off the streets and crime free. ENDS