The two stadiums that are to be built in the Chobe District are expected to improve the quality of sports, attract more international games and boost the tourism industry in the area hence improving the economy of the region.
The construction of the Kasane mini stadium football turf and a running track will commence in November 2022 and is scheduled to be completed in May 2023 while that of Kazungula stadium will commence immediately after its survey which has already been submitted to FIFA is approved.
The Kasane stadium football turf and running project is being undertaken by the government of Botswana through the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture whereas the Kazungula stadium is being funded by Botswana Football Association (BFA).
In an interview with Times Sport, Chobe District Council Chairman Chimney Mlulwani expressed delight that upon completion the Kasane mini stadium will attract more games in Chobe which will in return boost the tourism industry and attract more youths into sports. He added that during its construction the stadium will also create employment opportunities for the community and benefit the local businesses.
Furthermore, Mlulwani noted that once complete and in use, the gate takings will boost the local teams’ revenue adding that through the project the shortage of sports facilities which is a great concern in the district will be addressed.
BFA Chief Executive Officer, Mfolo Mfolo noted that through the Kazungula Stadium they intend to take quality football to communities of Botswana and nurture its development. He revealed that they will have a technical centre in the district that will be able to organise four nations’ tournaments that will bring activity evolution within the Chobe communities.
For his part, Chobe Regional Football Association (CHORFA) Chairman, Tshegofatso Balisi concurred that the two stadiums will address the shortage of sporting facilities in their region. Balisi added that playing football in facilities with better standards will improve the quality of football in the region and attract more teams from other parts of the country.
“We are in an area where four countries meet therefore the stadiums will enable us to organise four nations’ tournaments with Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia hence improving the international standard of our football,” Balisi revealed.
Satau SC Coach, Eric Mabuta also reiterated that the stadium will benefit them through the gate takings and improve the quality of their clubs. He highlighted that despite a number of spectators who attend their games they haven’t been able to make income through the gate takings because they play their games in open grounds.
