As Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Broadhurst United exchanged blows, one could not help but scan the unspectacular ground filled with optimistic fans.
Since 2019, Chiefs fans have had to make with regular visits to dusty grounds after their team was shoved out of the Premier League.
Now, there is renewed optimism the team might finally climb out of its quagmire and return to dine with local football’s finest. But there has to be caution as Chiefs have been here before.
Last season, the pride of Kgatleng was agonisingly close to a Premier League return, only for the lesser fancied Eleven Angels to upset the apple cart. But their fans have been enduring, even in the most of trying times.
The crowd, which has followed the team even in its lowest moment, is testament of Chiefs’ pulling power and brand strength. Besides being in the lower league, Chiefs possess what other teams in the Premier League can only envy.
They have a passionate support base, which deserves better than the frequent appointments with dust in the lower division. While SSG was teeming, elsewhere some games in the Premier League could not muster more than 500 fans.
It is only logical to wish Chiefs the best so that they can return and find a healthy Gaborone United, Township Rollers and Extension Gunners in the league. Prayers also go out to Notwane and TAFIC, two other struggling sides with a decent following.
With due respect, the Premier League is poorer with sides like Mogoditshane Fighters and Prisons XI, that are hardly adding much value to the premier division. A club must bring excitement to the league and add a different dimension.
There are a number of clubs that do not possess what it takes to be a Premier League side. Granted, teams must earn their place through qualification, but one would feel Chiefs has served its punishment and deserve a return.
Chiefs fans deserve better, the Premier League as a product deserves a team of Chiefs stature. But these are only wishes, everything has to be done on the football pitch where results are obtained.
But the addition of Chiefs and TAFIC to the top league next season could add some missing spark. What the Premier League needs is a lean competition, down to, say 12 quality sides with a good following.
This would improve the Premier League's brand value and in turn attract the much needed support from both the public and the corporate sector. The product must be appealing for people to support it.
Chiefs’ fans have shown there is still a lot of hunger for local football as they attend games in large numbers, despite the poor state of grounds in the lower leagues, where there are no covered stands. Saturday's temperature hovered in the late 30s but Chiefs fans, like they have done in the past, stayed loyal to their team. Such loyalty deserves a reward with a return to the Premier League.
