BFL defends clubs' grant deduction
Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 10, 2025 06:00
On September 25, BFL chairperson, Sipho Showa, wrote to the 16 clubs' shareholders, indicating that a decision had been taken to deduct P30,000 from P200,000 due to each side.
The move was necessitated by the financial situation at the BFL, and the amount deducted went towards running the league office.
'An amount of P30,000 will be temporarily loaned from each club's grant to the League office to meet urgent obligations.
'This is a short-term financing measure and does not reduce any club's grant entitlement. Finance will record it as a short-term loan from clubs to the League office,' Showa said through the letter.
He added the league will repay the P30,000 to each club as soon as funds from a broadcast deal with Botswana Television are credited.
The broadcast deal worth P16 million was concluded last week. The clubs' grants, less the P30,000, were expected to be released 'within a day or two' after Showa's correspondence.
Responding to MmegiSport inquiries, BFL CEO Billy Sekgororoane justified the office's decision to deduct from grants.
'The Botswana Football League Board, comprising eight members, including four representatives from the 16-member clubs, took this decision in the context of ensuring continuity of League operations under severe financial constraints.
'Whilst the measure was urgent, clubs were informed through the circular to maintain transparency,' Sekgororoane said.
'The deduction is a temporary loan arrangement and not forfeiture, and the full amount will be reimbursed to the clubs once revenue inflows are received,' he added.
Sekgororoane, who joined the BFL in August, said the league was operating without cash reserves and has a significant budget deficit due to delayed inflows.
'The temporary measure was therefore introduced purely to stabilise league operations, including essential match day and administrative obligations, while awaiting expected revenue.
'It was considered the least disruptive option compared to suspending fixtures or halting key league functions,' the CEO said.