Still no sponsor for inaugural Women’s National League
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday October 20, 2025 06:00
The new league will be divided into North and South divisions, forming the elite tier of women’s football in Botswana, whilst the regional leagues will serve as the second and third tiers. Each division will feature 10 teams, with regional champions automatically qualifying for the First Division League.
The remaining spots will be decided through promotional playoffs, which are scheduled for the weekend of October 25 and 26.
“The playoffs will serve to finalise the full complement of 10 teams per stream (North and South), thereby completing the league structure.
“This important stage provides a competitive and transparent pathway for regional women’s football clubs aspiring to compete at the national level,” reads a statement from BFA.
The playoffs will be contested in a round-robin format within each regional block, with the winners securing promotion to the First Division League and completing the 10-team lineup per division.
However, the league is likely to start without a title sponsor. Last month, BFA announced it had received approximately $290,000 (around P3.8 million) from FIFA to support the running of the women’s league.
Additionally, government contributed P2 million, bringing the total funding to P5.8 million.
Speaking to MmegiSport this week, BFA CEO Mfolo Mfolo said the league will begin either in December or January to allow Gaborone United (GU) to compete in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
“The league will most probably be in December or January. We have to allow Gaborone United to compete at the CAF Women’s Champions League. (There are) No sponsors or partners at the moment, and we are hopeful to bring some on board,” said Mfolo.
The CEO revealed that participating clubs would be entitled to monthly grants or prizes despite the absence of a premier sponsor.
“Yes, there is a decision on that, and it is to be availed at the official launch of the league,” he added.
So far, 15 teams have secured their places in the new league. From the North Division, the line-up includes Francistown United (Francistown), Nico United (Selebi-Phikwe), Mafia Vision (Central South), Orapa United (Boteti), Tornado Sporting (Chobe), Western Dynamites (Nhabe), Eyes on Ball (Tswapong), and Tsabotlhe FC (Central North).
The South Division will feature Gaborone United (Gaborone), Makgabz City (Tsabong), BDF XI (Kweneng), EL-Pots (Hukuntsi), Gantsi Swallows (Gantsi), Jwaneng Galaxy (Southern), and Royal Fighters (Kgatleng).