Botswana postponed until next year

National Stadium not ready for proposed City visit.



City’s summer tour of Botswana has been postponed.

The Robins were set to fly out on Monday, July 1st and spend a fortnight in the African country, competing in a three-team tournament along with local sides Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

But with both games set to take place in the National Stadium in the capital city of Gaborone, the venue, which has undergone a recent redevelopment, will not be ready in time.

With a new pitch currently being re-laid, City have been advised by contractors that the playing surface will not be fit for purpose by the proposed dates, and tournament organisers have been left with no option but to postpone the event.

Provisional dates have now been set for City to return next summer when everything should be in place to host a first class tournament.

City owner Steve Lansdown said: “The Botswana government are investing a lot to bring all their facilities up to FIFA standards, and it was clear when I visited Gaborone this week that more time was needed to ensure the pitch at the National Stadium met these.

“It is very disappointing but I can only agree that in the interests of the tournament it is the right decision to postpone it until next year.”

In the meantime, the club remain committed to engaging in off-field ventures, and members of Bristol City Community Trust could still make the trip this year with various coaching and educational projects already lined up.




How very disappointing

 

I find it amusing looking at the pictures on the official site that even a poor third world country such as Botswana has a footie stadium to put the Minimal and the Gas to shame.

Cannot say I am too bothered about it being cancelled really.

 

Have to think so what. Hardly any fans would have gone. Standard of football dubious. As for the community trust aspect they can be building links and bridges closer to home.

 

I think we would be expected to play at the mem they played here last for Louis Carey didn't they?

 

Hows about Swansea and Baadiff?

 

Would like us to play newport away and maybe the swans at the gate

 

We won't play the blue few.. too much trouble in previous games

Although last year was well behaved, it was a one off

 

Should of asked Arsenal nicely if we could play in their Emirates cup

 

Or we could initiate the West Country Dogsbody cup Us, the Sags, Forest Green Rovers, Bath City and Clevedon Town that should sort out the friendlies.

 

Or do you think that would be a bit Ruff?

 

Some fierce competition there, lke bath, clevedon and FGR..

 

Ooops I forgot Cheltenham Town how could I forget them 2 round robins of 3 teams each and the top two play for the cup the next 2 play for 3rd/4th and the bottom 2 5th/6th I thought there was something wrong when I couldn't work out how to work out how to get to the winner I'd only picked 5 teams.