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After pumping an unprecedented P2 million into the national team, the Zebras, early this year, Orange is reported to be negotiating more sponsorship deals with three Premier League teams and a First Division outfit. Information reaching Monitor Sport says that Premier League giants, Township Rollers, Lobtrans Gunners and Mochudi Centre Chiefs and First Division powerhouse TAFIC have been locked in negotiations with the cellular company for sometime. Sources reveal that a deal could have been sealed in the past week but the move was delayed because Orange chief executive officer, Yannick Bourdeu was attending some business meetings in Cape Town, South Africa. It is therefore expected that before the end of this week, a deal will be sealed which will see the four teams with Orange logo branded on their playing kits. Though it is not clear how much Orange will give the clubs, it is understood that the deal is going to be long term.
“Orange want to push their customer base hence they are in negotiations with the four clubs because they have a massive following. In the deal, supporters of the clubs will buy Orange sim cards at reduced rates and there will also be some call-ins whereby the clubs’ fans will vote maybe for the player of the month. Then a certain percentage which will be agreed upon will go towards the clubs,” said a source. Monitor Sport is informed that Orange has made it clear to the teams especially in the Premier League that they will need prime space to advertise in the playing kits. Sources reveal that Orange want to spread their wings in the market because of unconfirmed reports that another South African cellular company, might be coming to Botswana mid next year.
If the Orange sponsorship materialises, it might cause some problems. This is because Mascom sponsors the Premier League and they would not like to see their teams being sponsored by their competitors. “If the deal materialises, we’re likely to see Mascom, clubs and Botswana Football Association (BFA) involved in a scuffle. Unfortunately, BFA does not have it in black and white where it states that the clubs should not seek sponsorship from other mobile companies,” said a source.
Efforts to solicit a comment from Rollers’ managing director, Somerset Gobuiwang who is said to be spearheading the negotiations were fruitless. Officials from Chiefs were reluctant to comment on the matter while at the time of going to press, TAFIC and Gunners’ officials were unavailable for comment. “I guess they’re afraid to comment because that might jeopardise the deal,” said a source. Officials at Orange could not be drawn into discussing the matter.
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