Sunbet dumps Rollers, eyes GU premier deal
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 26, 2026 10:36
The development comes amid indications that the betting company is now eyeing a bigger role at Gaborone United (GU), where it currently serves as the club's sleeve sponsor. MmegiSport has been told that Sunbet Botswana is in discussions to become GU's premier sponsor once the Reds' current agreement with Bank Gaborone ends.
A letter dated May 25, 2026, addressed to Township Rollers, confirms that Sunbet will not exercise its option to renew the sponsorship agreement, which expires on July 31, 2026. The betting company has instructed Rollers to remove all Sunbet branding from the stadium, digital platforms, marketing material, and other club assets after the agreement expires. It also stated that both parties should settle any outstanding obligations before the partnership officially ends.
Rollers secretary-general, Ofentse Mosekiemang, confirmed that the club had received the notice and accepted the decision, despite not being furnished with the reasons for the non-renewal. 'Yes, it is true we have received a notice from Sunbet alerting us that they are not renewing the contract, so the contract is coming to an end on July 31. Unfortunately, they did not mention the reasons why they are ending the contract, but we have accepted that,' Mosekiemang told MmegiSport.
He described the loss of the sponsorship as a huge setback, especially at a time when clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to attract corporate investment.
'It is a very big loss to us, especially during these times when the economy is low, and we are left to wonder where we can find investors who can sponsor us. But we have not given up, we look forward, and we are engaging other potential sponsors who can come on board to help the team. So the negotiations are ongoing, as well with other partners who can come and help the team,' he said.
Sunbet entered local football sponsorship last year through a combined P2.5 million investment in Gaborone's two biggest clubs. Rollers received P1.5 million after Sunbet became the club's premier sponsor, whilst Gaborone United secured P1 million through a sleeve sponsorship agreement. The betting company now appears set to shift its commercial focus across the city divide.
Although GU officials stopped short of confirming that Sunbet would replace Bank Gaborone as the club's principal sponsor, they acknowledged that negotiations involving both sponsors are underway.
'Regarding the sponsorship issues with Sunbet and Bank Gaborone, these are our current sponsors, and we have running contracts with them; of course, they are coming to an end. I can confirm that negotiations are already in place, and I cannot go beyond that. We will announce when the right time comes,' GU head of operations Herbert Letsebe said.
Bank Gaborone has served as GU's premier sponsor, whilst Sunbet has occupied the sleeve sponsorship position. Should the negotiations be concluded successfully, Sunbet would assume the role of premier sponsor, strengthening its relationship with the Reds whilst bringing its partnership with Rollers to a close.