An enormous task lies ahead for the 2011/2012 Premier League season as it looks like there will be inadequate stadiums for matches.
The problem is further compounded by the fact that the Zebras have made it to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
This means the league is going to take two months break to accommodate the Zebras.
Most of the teams are in the southern part of the country and the region will, therefore, also be seriously affected.
Already it is not clear when Lobatse Stadium will be used again as it is reported to be having drainage problems despite having been in use for about a year.
The National Stadium, on the other hand, has not been in use for the past three seasons and it is also not clear when it will be ready again.
It is also reported to have drainage problems, which has resulted in a tug of war between the government and the contractor.
This then leaves four stadiums in use and these are Molepolole, Otse Police College, Sir Seretse Khama Barracks and University of Botswana.
The most reliable stadium is Molepolole since most others keep being closed for refurbishment purposes.
The Premier League Committee Secretary, Setete Phuthego, has expressed concern about the challenging times ahead for the league.
He said there is a possibility that many matches will be postponed. “Definitely the issue of stadiums and the national team is something beyond our control. We have to give the national team all the support they want but on the other hand it is affecting the flow of the league. Definitely, we might not finish our league on time. Stadiums are also a major concern that we have nothing to do about. We have to do with the little we have,” he said. Phuthego also added that their league program is going to temporarily stop in the mid December before resuming in the second week of January.
“This is mainly meant to give the national team ample time to prepare for next year’s AFCON. This would enable the coach to asses all the critical areas while there is still time,” he said.
The fixtures for next season have already been released and it will resume in the second week of August.
The mouth-watering clash will be on August 13 between archrivals, Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs at UB stadium.
Every time the two teams play, the stadium is always filled to capacity.
Other fixtures on Saturday, August 13
Uniao Flamengo Santos vs Miscellaneous Molepolole, 3pm
Gaborone United Nico United, Molepolole, 6pm
Mogoditshane Fighters vs GNT, Lobatse, 3pm
Notwane vs Santos SSKB, 3pm
Tafic vs Ecco City Green Francistown, 3pm
Sunday
Police XI vs Extension Gunners, Molepolole, 3pm
BDF vs BMC, SSKB, 3pm
