BFL Secures P9.4M For League Start
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 29, 2021 16:07
Speaking at a press conference this (Friday) morning, BFL chief executive officer (CEO), Solomon Ramochotlhwane said the bulk of the money is from the national broadcaster at the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) while Absa Botswana, which has come on board as a banking partner, will be responsible for the Man of the Match prize.
“We are expecting more funds as time goes on. We have secured broadcasting rights from the national television (broadcaster) and Radio Botswana to the tune of P6 million while our banking partner, Absa has thrown in P3.4 million," he said.
Ramochotlhwane, however, said the league will remain without a title sponsor. He added they were in the process of securing a title sponsor, but they could not agree on certain issues.
"We have to move to the next option. I can inform you that we will not have a season without the prize money. If it means digging into our pockets we will so that the winner can have something to prepare for CAF competitions with," he said.
The CEO alluded to expecting something from BFA, saying that they are "working around the clock to secure a further P5 million from FIFA". "This is to facilitate the league administration, as the money from the sponsors will be channelled to the clubs as grants,” Ramochothwane said.
DBS through, Botswana Television (Btv) and Radio Botswana (RB) will beam a minimum of 60 games live while the remaining 180 matches have been given to the clubs to source out digital broadcasting partners. The BFL has also announced that it will allow spectators to fill 50% capacity of the playing venues. The sale of alcohol will be allowed, but only to licensed traders.
The 2021-2022 football season will be one of the most congested. Season two of the Orange FA Cup will be concluded this season after it was halted in the quarter-final stage. Season three of the Orange FA Cup and the Top 8 Tournament will be played this season.
The Premiership will kick off tomorrow afternoon with the Mogoditshane Fighters and Masitaoka clashing at the National Stadium at 3:30pm. Both Btv and RB will beam the game live, alongside the Extension Gunners and Township Rollers tie, which will kick off at 8:45pm.