Sunday Standard
Construction of FIFA Arena Pitch in Molepolole Commences
Behind the Mafenyatlala Mall in Molepolole lies a land which was once a eucalyptus tree plantation. Due to its greenery, the spot used to attract a large number of people ‘seeking fresh air.’
In the years following the construction of the mall, this land was neglected and became almost desolate. The eucalyptus trees have almost all died. This now desolate space is about to get a new lease of life.
It has been earmarked for the construction of a FIFA Arena Pitch, complete with a 20m x 40m community football pitch. This facility is expected to function as ‘a community safe space’ that will benefit more than 2,000 children and young people living within the surrounding area.
And Botswana Football Association (BFA) could not have chosen a better spot for the project. About two decades ago, before the mall existed, in the exact spot shops such as Mafenyatlala Spar now reside, used to lie a dusty football ground.
The ground, situated behind what was then Mafenyatlala Hotel, was where one of the village’s oldest teams, Molepolole Tigers used to train and play. This was also a ground where young boys from Goorasune ward used to play football.
When the Mafenyatlala Mall was constructed, the pitch was destroyed and Molepolole Tigers forced to relocate. The construction also robbed the young football dreamers of Goorasune ward a space where they could play.
The affinity of the spot to football does not end there. From the site earmarked for the FIFA Arena pitch, if one casts their eyes to the South East towards GaThaone Dam, they find another dusty football pitch, popularly known as Sebele Primary School ground. This was the home ground of the now defunct Molepolole Young Rivals football club, affectionately known as Junior Bucs.
And there is even more. Just a stone-throw away from where the FIFA Arena Pitch will be, in the east, is a barren patch of land. Known as ‘ko sebataolong,’ this piece of land used to be a hub of activity for aspiring young footballers residing in the wards surrounding Mafenyatlala Mall.
Young footballers from Gookodisa, Goontloedibe, Bokone,Mogogoru and many others used to throng this ground to play hotly contested matches. For years before becoming desolate as it is now, this hard barren pitch saw young football dreams blossom.
Former Young Rivals, Masitaoka and Township Rollers midfielder Kagiso ‘Baros’ Bodigelo, former Young Rivals and Masitaoka goalkeeper and elite referee Leteng ‘Bundu’ Magogwe, former Masitaoka player Nonyane Nosta Bodigelo and former Young Rivals and Township Rollers striker Keotshepile ‘Sooba’ Ramolale are among those who have played in this unforgiving patch.
While dusty grounds like ‘ko sebataolong’ provided a handful of players like those above with a pathway to higher leagues, many others slipped through the net. Above this, these players did not go through any structured development.
Now with a centrally located and easily accessible modern day FIFA Arena Pitch in the making, the BFA is hopeful it will unearth better developed and talented footballers in Molepolole.
BFA project management consultant Molefi Obenne says the location of the pitch meets all the FIFA requirements for such a project. “FIFA requires that the location must be accessible to various schools within the locality. The rationale is that as many young kids as possible must be able to access the pitch with ease.”
The BFA project management consultant says the pitch will make it easier to scout young players for future development. Through this initiative, BFA is working to create accessible, safe and inclusive football facilities that can support grassroots participation and community development. The pitch will also make playing football more attractive and safer for young players and their guardians.
“We are working with the Bakwena Community Development Trust in this project. They own the land in which the pitch will be constructed. Their plan is to turn the arena into an entertainment facility with stands and a coffee shop.”
According to Obenne, the ground breaking ceremony for the project will be held this coming week. The pitch alone is expected to be completed within 90 days of the project commencement, while other developments by the Bakwena Community Development Trust are expected to follow gradually.
“With regards to the facility management, the Kweneng Regional Football Association will oversee its use, working in collaboration with the Bakwena Community Development Trust.”
Meanwhile, Obenne says the Bakwena Community Development Trust has engaged CHEC – Sharps Construction to construct the required subbase for the arena pitch.
The post Construction of FIFA Arena Pitch in Molepolole Commences first appeared on Sunday Standard and is written by Botlhale Koothupile