COVID-19 disrupts football matches
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Saturday December 11, 2021 06:00
It all started last weekend when Police XI reported some positive COVID-19 cases within its camp, prompting the authorities to postpone their match against Extension Gunners. This week two other Premier League matches, Gaborone United (GU) versus Security Systems and Mogoditshane Fighters versus Prisons XI had to be moved to a later date because of reported positive cases at Systems and Prisons XI.
On the same day, Debswana First Division North League leaders, Nico United also reported a total of nine positive COVID-19 cases in the team. The setback has since forced the postponement of their matches against Santa Greens and Greens Lovers. Following the midweek matches, Township Rollers who have been leading the log standings, have been dispatched at the top by Orapa United.
The 2-0 defeat to the Ostriches on Tuesday was the last straw for coach Hasan Oktay who was shown the door the following morning after just four months in charge. Rollers have since announced that Oarabile Seabo will be in charge on an interim basis while the club searches for Oktay’s replacement. Seabo’s first assignment is tomorrow away to Sua Flamingoes as they look to return to winning ways. Flamingoes, however, have since proven that they are a hard nut to crack with the experienced midfielder, Tendai Nyumasi leading by example since joining them from Police XI. Orapa United will be hoping to retain the top spot when they take on Mogoditshane Fighters who are currently struggling with form.
The team of the moment, Masitaoka moved to the top eight after claiming another scalp on Wednesday. Following their famous victory over Rollers in the Orange FA Cup semifinal, Masitaoka went on to maintain their giant-killing spree when they beat BDF XI 2-0. Defending champions, Jwaneng Galaxy failed to take advantage of GU’s inactivity in the midweek when they played to a draw against Flamingoes and remain seated at position five with 13 points. GU are currently fourth on the log with 15 points.
Notwane and Mahalapye Railways Highlanders maintained their poor form this season when they suffered losses to Morupule Wanderers and Extension Gunners respectively. A solitary goal from Pako Gaofose was enough to hand Wanderers their second successive victory. Gunners on the other hand registered their third successive win when they came from behind to beat Highlanders 3-2 on Wednesday.