10 Dec 2013

Modipane United Football Club was leading 3-2 against Masitaoka when the game was called off following an unspeakable violence that broke between players of the two camps turning the football field into a fierce battlefield.

The fist fight, which started with only less than five minutes remaining to the end of the game, just shows how lack of professionalism and respect for the game of football game continues to mar the most followed sport in the world. Modipane and Masitaoka players confronted each other with fists after a Masitaoka player had rough tackled and brought down a United player angering the opponent players.

In particular, Modipane defender, James Tshekedi, did not take kindly to the way his teammate’s chest was trodden on so hard that he had to be ferried to hospital. Fists started to fly and slaps could be heard from a distance with one fan being given a good kick when he tried to bring calm; only the security personnel managed to bring the situation under control.

Tshekedi later received a red card while his opponent got a yellow card which also led to another argument as he did not accept. After the fracas, the referee called the teams to finish the game but Masitaoka refused to enter the field citing lack of security. Masitaoka assistant coach, Douglas Moitlangwane, said they could not continue with the game because they felt unprotected and also the referee was incompetent as she was seeking advice from the linesman time and again.

He said they would wait upon the referees report to take the case further where they will state their reasons for refusing to continue with the game. His counterpart, Coach Collen Mokganelwa said the lack of professionalism killed the game and he was disappointed by the whole situation. He said the rivalry between his team and Masitaoka comes from a long way and this match needed a referee who could take control, unlike what transpired.

Coach Mokganelwa further said his players should learn to calm down during emotional situations especially when they are leading the game. The soft spoken coach said they were ready to finish the game and after the two minutes of finishing time had expired the game was called off, and they have to await the outcome of the referee’s report.

It seems the woes of Masitaoka are not yet over as the bottom placed team in the Debswana First Division South League log show they have to work hard to make a comeback. The team has only 1 win, 2 draws and seven loses with the weekend game called off and they are trailing from the bottom with only 5 points, anything is possible more so they refused to finish the game.

On the other hand Modipane United’s win over the weekend could have meant that they increased their points. The Bakgatla boys are placed at position seven with 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 loses with only 14 points. ENDS