Lekopanye Mooketsi
23 October 2008
The Premier League Committee (PLC) secretary, Setete Phuthego has said it is the responsibility of clubs to make sure that there are adequate first aid and physiotherapy facilities and personnel during soccer matches.
He said the PLC cannot instruct clubs about certain things like buying soccer boots for a player or making sure there is a stretcher during matches. "If you do not bring a stretcher, how are you going to carry an injured player from the field?" he asked.
Phuthego was speaking after an unconscious Township Rollers' goalkeeper Anthony Matengu was carried off the pitch without a stretcher and then rushed to hospital in a private car. The incident was a rude reminder that local soccer clubs do not provide basic things like stretchers during games.
This was not the first incident that an injured player from a big club like Rollers, was carried off the field in this manner. Rollers' publicity chief, Molatlhegi Mangole said they have a stretcher but their logistics officer forgot to bring it to the stadium. He added that during the Saturday game, they also forgot to bring advertising banners.
A Premier League player who preferred anonymity said the Saturday incident showed that certain clubs are not serious about the welfare of players. He said Rollers is a big club which should not fail to provide facilities like stretchers. He said it appeared the Rollers' goalkeeper's injury was a serious one but it took time to take him to hospital. The player said that during league games, there should be an ambulance on standby to take injured players to hospital.
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