18 Feb 2024

Botswana football got a major shot in the arm with the announcement of a historic P54 million sponsorship deal from First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) that will be invested in the ladies national team, The Mares, and the Botswana Premier League.

At the sponsorship launch held at the Botswana Football Association (BFA) headquarters, Lekidi in Gaborone on Thursday, it was revealed that the P54 million would be spread over a three-year period FNB

After four years without a title sponsor, the Premier League will be sponsored to the tune of P28.5 million, at P9.5 million for the three seasons commencing with the 2024-25 season, with The Mares getting P4.5 million annually, totalling P 13.5 million over three years.

Giving his keynote address, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said the sponsorship came at an opportune time when the country’s football needed to be developed to match neighbouring states who recently performed well in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and when ladies football was on an upward trajectory.

“I was particularly thrilled when I learned that the BFA had succeeded in getting FNB Botswana to sponsor the league also quite importantly, The Mares.

For The Mares in particular, what a great time for the sponsorship to be announced, just before they embark on a journey to Europe, to bolster their preparation for the all-important Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in 2024,” Rakgare said.

He added that the ministry had been concerned about the length of time the elite league had been operating without a title sponsor and urged the BFA and the Botswana Football League (BFL) to ensure that the funds were optimally utilised.

“While your sponsorship will go to the league, it will in fact also strengthen the Zebras, and as such, we will be optimistic of qualification to the AFCON within the next few years.

BFA and BFL, well done for securing the sponsorship.

Having said so, I wish to implore you to manage the sponsorship and the relationship well.

We want to see this partnership going beyond the initial three  years, and also growing in terms of value; both ways,” Rakgare said.

FNBB Chief Executive Officer Steven Bogatsu said the company had journeyed with football through supporting grassroots football and now sought to extend tangible support that would encompass all sports and all involved including athletes, trainers, administrators and their families.

Bogatsu said The Mares sponsorship would go towards necessities for team preparation, training camps, including transport allowance, meals and medical care.

He said they were particularly passionate about the development of women football.

BFA president Maclean Letshwiti and Chief Executive Officer, Mfolo Mfolo as well as Botswana National Sports Commission chaiperson, Marumo Morule were among the dignitaries and football administrators who graced the occasion.  ENDS