New Notwane exco to follow-up investor interest
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday August 6, 2025 09:08
The Namibian club’s proprietors are said to be eyeing an expansion into Botswana, raising speculation of a possible financial injection into the historic Gaborone-based club. Newly elected Notwane chairperson, Freddie Ramodise, confirmed to SportMonitor on Monday that the executive committee was aware of the investor reports, but said nothing concrete has been concluded.
“We are new in office, having assumed our roles on June 28, and we are still finalising the handover process from the previous leadership,' he said.
“We have seen the reports and heard the rumours, but since we were not yet in office when talks allegedly started, we were not privy to the details. Once the handover is complete, we will engage the parties who have been assisting with the matter to follow up.'
The FC Ongos connection, though still unconfirmed, has generated renewed optimism amongst Notwane supporters. With the Namibian club reportedly keen on establishing a footprint across their borders, Notwane’s rich history and strategic location makes it a viable gateway into Botswana football.
The investor interest comes at a crucial time for the club. Notwane remain without a sponsor or major financier and the team is battling significant debt.
The club’s membership finally held an Annual General Meeting on Saturday after two failed attempts due to a lack of quorum. During the meeting, the committee appealed to members for greater self-reliance.
Ramodise declined to reveal the club’s debt figures, but said they are targeting to clear it within two months through member support and well-wishers.
He insisted the club's long-term vision includes restoring financial stability with or without investors. “We have always been a member-driven club. Even the times we played Champions Leagues in countries like Angola, we have always relied on our members.
“So, we are once calling for that spirit of unity and teamwork so we can elevate this team back to where it belongs,” he added.
On the technical front, the club is rebuilding. Several key players have exited, and the committee is in talks to bring in a defensive midfielder and two forwards from Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Head coach, Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare, has been given two weeks to submit a transfer wishlist.
“Our aim is to return to the Premier League next season. But that requires thorough preparation. We’ve sat with the coach to map out our squad needs, and we expect his feedback soon,” Ramodise said.
A former Notwane player himself, Ramodise revealed that the committee presented a new structural model to the membership, with the hope of stabilising operations and attracting credible partners within six months.