Mares players get P33,000, coaches P15,000

Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday August 20, 2025 14:18

The technical team and support staff will each receive P15,000. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) alongside its strategic partners hosted an appreciation and prize-giving session at the Lekidi Football Centre this morning (Wednesday). The occasion was to appreciate the Mares' performance at the WAFCON finals. The team was knocked out in the group stages after gaining three points from their win against Tunisia. The team lost the first two opening games against Algeria and Nigeria but went on to record a win in the last group stage match as they finished third in Group B. The team has received funds of more than P2 million.

This includes P900,000 from Lucara Botswana which was used for the preparatory phase ahead of the WAFCON finals. Mares further received $150,000 (roughly P2.05 million) as the tournament prize money of which $75,000 (approximately P1.72 million) will be shared amongst the playing and technical staff, whilst the remainder will go to women's football development projects. In addition, Orange Botswana contributed P100,000, Zambezi Motors popped P30,000 whilst Concorde Travel gave P15,000. BFA president Tariq Babitseng said the team's performance and their recent rankings where they moved seven places up globally is a testament that the women's football development in the country is on the rise. 'We are moving forward and it is evident for all to see. From where we started years ago and to where we stand today, our journey is accelerating and the Women's First Division will be the heartbeat of our future and that is where the Mares are born,' Babitseng. He further lauded the sponsors and partners for their part in growing the women's game in the country as he said the BFA is committed to the development of the players, coaches, and support personnel. The team received glowing praise as sponsor FNB Botswana commended the team's courage, resilience, and achievement at the WAFCON finals.

FNB Botswana's Communications and PR Manager, Boga Chilinde-Masebu, described the Mares' campaign as more than just a footballing contest, but a story of national pride and inspiration. 'Today is more than a celebration of football. It is a celebration of dreams, courage, and national pride. At WAFCON 2025, the Mares did not just play matches, they carried the hopes of a nation. In every pass, every save, every sprint, they proved that Botswana belongs on the continental stage,' she said. FNB Botswana has been one of the strongest backers of women's football in the country. The bank's partnership with the Botswana Football Association began in 2022 through investments in national junior teams, with the aim of strengthening grassroots development and opening opportunities for young talent. In 2024, the commercial bank penned a P13.5 million per year sponsorship deal with the BFA that will run for three years.