Only 4,000 fans for Sunbet Charity Cup
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday August 11, 2025 10:11
The pre-season clash will see arch-rivals Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU) reignite their Gaborone Derby rivalry, with kick-off set for 3pm. The derby, known for drawing huge crowds sometimes peaking at 20,000 spectators, has raised concern over the stadium’s ability to host such a turnout.
GU's acting marketing and communications manager, Owe Mmolawa, confirmed at Thursday’s tournament launch that only 4,000 tickets had been printed.
“The capacity is at 4,000 so we have only printed 4,000 tickets and they are very limited, and we will only allow 4,000 people. Once the tickets are sold out, we will not allow anyone else to get in,” Mmolawa said.
Tickets are priced at P40, with proceeds going to a beneficiary chosen by the public. The event will also mark the official unveiling of Sunbet Botswana’s partnership with the two Gaborone giants.
The betting firm has committed P2.5 million in dual sponsorship, P1.5 million to Township Rollers, who will don the Sunbet brand on their chest, and P1 million to GU, who will feature the sponsor on their sleeve.
Sunbet Botswana country manager, Tsholofelo Makgogeng, said the partnership is built on aligned values and a shared commitment to community upliftment.
“They present values that align close with what we hold close at Sunbet Botswana. Through this partnership we make a wider economic impact,' she said.
“We have supported quite a few initiatives and for a new baby in the market I believe this is quite a milestone for us. Sunbet has not quite made a significant revenue that we would expect (but) we’re still in the Botswana community and we believe that we will grow with Botswana.'
She added that the partnership is expected to open doors for local businesses including transport providers, media producers, and creatives.
Both Rollers and GU have been calculated in the transfer market, adding fresh legs whilst letting go of key players.
The Sunbet Charity Cup will be the first chance for fans to see their new-look sides in action, just a week before the league kicks off.
Meanwhile, the Lobatse Sports Complex will host the inaugural JB Charity Cup on the same day. Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Matebele FC, Extension Gunners and Dinare FC will battle it out.
Matebele face Dinare in the opening semi-final at 9am, followed by Chiefs and Gunners at 11:30am. The final is scheduled for 5pm. Tickets are P50 for the grandstand and P30 for other stands.