This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Despite challenges facing football in Chobe, among them poor grounds, and those situated in animal corridors, the region’s division one league is said to be going well and has even gained massive support.
The league which commenced last year is currently on week 11 and it is expected to end on week 26. The Chobe Regional Football Association (CHOFRA) has a single stream that is the division one league.
The league is made up of 14 teams being: 1920 Desportivo De Kansas, Chobe United, Ferry Wonderers, Kazungula Young Fighters, Kachikau SC, Kopano SC, Lesoma Green Arrows, Nyungwe SC, Panda SC, Panda United, Plateau SC, Satau SC, Sedudu SC and Vision Boys. CHOFRA welcomed 1920 Desportivo De Kansas as debutants in the 2022/2023 season.
Chobe United is currently leading the log with 27 points from 11 games played, from which it won eight, registered three draws without any loss. On the second position is Plateau SC with 25 points followed by Kazungula Fighters on the third position with 24 points.
Kachikau is trailing behind at the bottom of the log on 14 with a point from 10 games played out of which it lost nine, registered one draw with no win.
In an interview, CHOFRA Regional Association Chairman Tshegofatso Balisi revealed that shortage of fenced playing grounds permits animals to move freely through the corridors where their grounds are situated. Balisi said that during the heavy rains their grounds become water locked, forcing teams to only train once a week.
“People in Chobe love football and a lot of companies are starting to respond and are coming on board,” he said.
He is hopeful that the two stadiums that are being built in their area will address the challenges of playing grounds.
Meanwhile, Balisi has stated that they intend to develop players as such most of their teams consist of the under 23 players. He said that their target is to feed the national team and have another team in the Debswana First Division North, alongside Mbalakalungu which remains competitive in the league.
Ferry Wanderers, Chobe United and Kazungula Fighters once represented CHOFRA in the First Division and were relegated in the 2015/2016 season. The region also had Kazungula
Fighters which played in the first edition of the Orange FA cup quarter finals where it was eliminated by Township Rollers in Kasane.
