'Sunday' soccer has its own space

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday September 3, 2024 16:19

It appeared to be the right move as particularly KBL's Black Label brand is consumed in considerable volumes during Sunday soccer. The growth of social soccer outside the official football structures led to some arguing it could overtake mainstream football's popularity. Over the weekend, the KBL social soccer finals took place largely before a gaping National Stadium. This has ignited debate on whether social soccer is really that popular that it even warranted comparison with the mainstream structures. The Botswana Football Association (BFA), as the custodian of all official football competitions in the country, was not impressed with KBL's move to prioritise social football over the recognised structures. KBL will argue that it looks at leveraging on the popularity of an event in order to gain mileage or market its products. But the BFA and KBL contestations on the matter are besides the point.

The common theme that emerged after the weekend social league finals was that Sunday soccer is not as popular as initially made out, or that it cannot challenge mainstream football. But I will beg to differ. It will be unfair to judge Sunday soccer based on the poor crowd at the National Stadium. May be the blame should be on the doorsteps of the organisers who took the event to what can be equated to an elite venue; more like taking a 'kasi' event to Phakalane. Sunday soccer has its venues scattered across localities and there was no reason to remove it from there. The argument is that Sunday soccer is not contributing much to the development of mainstream football but it must be remembered that this is more of recreational activity than an organised, professional structure. Let it flourish where it originated. By taking it to the National Stadium, it is akin to trying to change the cosmetics.

The thrill of Sunday soccer is in its organised chaos, as a purely social event. Soccer is actually a side dish in all this and mostly the main attractions are outside the play itself. So Sunday soccer should be taken as a pastime. Yes, here and there talent might be unearthed but that will be purely unintentional. There is no way Sunday soccer will have a disruptive effect, if mainstream football is organised. Social soccer exists across the world and it has never been a disruptor, but a social gathering where booze, socialising and probably other 'nocturnal' activities take precedence over the football itself. It is unfair to judge the popularity of Sunday soccer based on the weekend event where I feel the choice of the venue was a big letdown. It is the same as judging animals using a similar test, when they have their unique abilities suited for different environments. Sunday soccer is not for the National Stadium, the owners know its place and space!