Chadibe FC will host VTM FC in the first leg of the Premier League promotion playoff tomorrow at Chad Arena in Chadibe. The FDN league committee has come under fire for taking the match to Chadibe.
There are many who believe that the ground is not suitable to host the clash. The match is regarded as a high profile encounter with critics arguing the Chad Arena is not safe for both players and spectators.
Francistown Stadium or the Obed Itani Sports Complex were seen as the ideal venues. However, this week FDN league committee chairperson, Jonas Ikgopoleng said that enough risk assessment has been done and remedial works have also been carried out to ensure that the ground hosts the match. “We will have three gates that will be used at the match. Previously only one gate was used. We have also properly demarcated the pitch to ensure the safety of spectators, supporters, and officials.
There is also enough cleared space for parking. I can also assure the spectators and all our stakeholders that the security at the match will be of high standards. “We have printed 3,000 tickets but the plan is to sell a maximum of 2,500 tickets. The 500 tickets are for emergency and will only be sold depending on the situation at the ground.” Ikgopoleng explained that the FDN matches most notable at the Francistown Stadium often attract 800 to 900 spectators. He said that given the status of the weekend match selling 2,500 tickets is ideal.
According to him, the league committee recently held a meeting with Chadibe residents to sensitise them against any form of hooliganism ahead of the weekend clash. Meanwhile, Chadibe coach Joseph Banyatsi has said that they are not under pressure ahead of the VTM clash. “We have already surpassed expectations by qualifying for the play-offs. We expect a tough match but we are not under pressure. We treat the weekend match just like any other match. We don’t have special preparations.
The boys already know what it is at stake and don’t need any special form of motivation. We will not show respect to our opponents. We also are banking on the support from the people of Chadibe and the surrounding areas,” he said. Chadibe would certainly depend on forward Atlholang Jeremane who has been their livewire this season. On the other hand, VTM coach Leutlwetse Tshireletso emphasised that his team will be very cautious on Saturday.
“This is a two-legged tie, so it is important for us to keep a clean sheet ahead of the second round at home. We will try to get one or two goals which would give us an advantage ahead of the second leg.” Tshireletso is banking on the experience of seasoned campaigners such as midfielder, Sifiso Myeni and defender, Rooi Mahumutsa who won several championships with Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier League. Myeni has been very instrumental for VTM this season. “The two (Myeni and Mahamutsa) have been very influential on and off the field. They make my job as a coach very easy. As usual I expect them to be influential on Saturday,” said Tshireletso.
