Women’s League start unclear despite P5.3m funding
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday September 5, 2025 12:01
Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tariq Babitseng, revealed the association had secured unprecedented backing to support efforts towards professionalising women’s football.
“FIFA has committed substantial funding to the growth of women’s football. One key highlight is the approved $298,000 specifically dedicated to launching our National Women’s League, a historic investment into elite competition,' said Babitseng at the Gaborone United Ladies team or Red Roses’ COSAFA Women’s Champions League victory celebration and welcome session.
“Beyond that, FIFA has also committed $100,000 (P1.3 million), which will go directly into advancing women’s football through youth structures, coaching education, and safeguarding programmes. With FIFA, CAF, and our partners by our side, the future of women’s football in Botswana is brighter than ever,” he added at the event held at the GU Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The P4 million is set aside for the new First Division leagues, to be split into North and South streams of 10 teams each, whilst P1.3 million will power grassroots initiatives.
Reports also suggest a development league, with suggestions pointing to an Under-21 Women’s League, will be introduced to strengthen development pathways.
Despite the funding and confirmation of the new league structure, with regional champions qualifying directly and runners-up heading into playoffs, there has been no official communication on when the league will begin or how the playoff process will unfold.
In August, the BFA General Assembly highlighted that the league could start in October alongside the men’s regional leagues.
The Red Roses’ landmark COSAFA triumph has identified what investment can deliver.
With Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse winning the Golden Boot and Tlamelo Pheresi securing the Golden Glove, the GU women’s side has become the symbol of what is possible when resources and preparation align.
Babitseng praised club financier, Nicolas Zakhem, for providing modern training facilities in Gaborone, calling them “a living example of what real investment looks like”.
Corporate players such as DTCB have also been recognised for giving the women’s game a platform to shine.