This has soiled the local football brand while at the same time, it has compromised the safety of playing and supporting staff. The Zebras’ games are never short of such antics from fans as recently the Orange FA Cup final between Gaborone United and Orapa United had supporters invading the pitch once again at full time.
This weekend, pitch invasion reached its peak during the international friendly match between Township Rollers and Kaizer Chiefs. The two teams command a huge following and it was evident as the National Stadium was filled to near-capacity. It was anticipated that some supporters would invade the pitch at full-time. By the second half, the match announcer consistently reminded the crowd to desist from going onto the field. The fans, can somehow not be faulted as no one couldn't resist a picture moment or a handshake with their stars.
However, on Saturday with the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, security personnel resorted to the use of violence with sjamboks to disperse some of the invaders on the field. Violence has no place in sport and sporting venues, and the guards at the stadium were in the wrong. To avoid such incidents, criminal charges should be introduced against pitch invaders. In most countries, especially Europe, pitch invaders face criminal charges while a lifetime ban from stadiums can be imposed.
Spectator education has not borne results while also organisers of these football activities have fallen short in terms of the number of security personnel. On Saturday, an estimated 17,000 spectators attended the Rollers-Chiefs game and were attended by a handful of security personnel. On average, for a high-profile match, the number of security guards is 50 to 100 but are aided by the Botswana Police Service. The ratio of guards to fans is huge, and guards are to struggle to contain the masses at match venues. The number, however, meets international standards and the blame finger is pointed at the spectators. No serious injuries were reported by Sunday on the side of the teams and the invaders but spectators would feel the need to contain themselves while there is a high penalty to pay.
