Botswana FNB Premiership: Referees involved in an accident, match postponed

A top-flight league match was postponed in Botswana on Wednesday after assigned referees were involved in a car accident while on the way to the venue.

In a statement, the Botswana Football League (BFL) confirmed the cancellation of the FNB Premiership match involving TAFIC FC and Sua Flamingoes FC.

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The officiating personnel is said to have been involved in the accidents some 10 kilometres away from the match venue, Sowa Town Council Stadium located in the Central Region of Botswana.

“This decision was made following an unfortunate car accident involving the appointed match officials prior to the match, rendering them unavailable to carry out their duties,” reads part of the statement.

“The safety and well-being of all match officials remain our top priority, and we have extended our concern and support to those affected. Unfortunately, this unforeseen circumstance has made it impossible for the match to proceed as scheduled.”

When will the postponed match take place?

BFL did not reveal the identities of the affected personnel let alone severity of the injuries they suffered—if any.

The league governing body said they will announce a new date for the match. TAFIC are in the relegation zone of the 16-member FNB Premiership, lying third from the bottom. Flamingoes occupy fifth position.

Other matches proceeded on Wednesday with rookies Black Lions losing 0-1 to Township Rollers while Jwaneng Galaxy and Orapa United shared the spoils at one-all.

Extension Gunners FC beat Police XI 1-0 while Morupule Wanderers suffered a home 1-0 defeat at the hands of Matebele FC. Gaborone United lead the standings, six points clear of second-placed Jwaneng Galaxy.

Botswana FNB Premiership Match Postponed After Referees’ Accident

A top-flight Botswana FNB Premiership match was postponed on Wednesday after the appointed referees were involved in a car accident while travelling to the venue, prompting safety concerns and an immediate intervention by the league authorities.

In an official statement, the Botswana Football League (BFL) confirmed the postponement of the league fixture between TAFIC FC and Sua Flamingoes FC, which was scheduled to take place at the Sowa Town Council Stadium in Botswana’s Central Region.

According to the league body, the match officials were involved in a road accident approximately 10 kilometres away from the stadium, making it impossible for them to arrive on time and safely officiate the encounter.

Botswana Football League Confirms Safety-Driven Decision

Explaining the decision, the BFL emphasized that the well-being of match officials takes precedence over all other considerations.

“This decision was made following an unfortunate car accident involving the appointed match officials prior to the match, rendering them unavailable to carry out their duties,” the statement read.

“The safety and well-being of all match officials remain our top priority, and we have extended our concern and support to those affected. Unfortunately, this unforeseen circumstance has made it impossible for the match to proceed as scheduled.”

While the league did not disclose the identities of the affected referees, it also refrained from confirming whether any serious injuries were sustained, stating only that the officials were unfit to continue with match duties.