You don't add mouths to an empty table

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday July 7, 2026 10:22

BDF XI chairperson, Nelson Gabofiwe, is the mover and as of now it's unclear where the tide will flow. But for an outsider, it does not seem a no-brainer as the current financial state of affairs, strongly argue against an expanded league.

There might be arguments about development, employment and expanding the national team pool, but the cons far outweigh the pros.

Expanding Botswana's Premier League from 16 to 18 teams risks stretching already scarce resources instead of strengthening the game. The local game is reeling from financial pressures, evidenced by folding clubs and unending pay disputes.

It is a game under financial siege and increasing teams to 18 does not make sense at all at this stage, no matter how the pool and employment card is trumpeted.

No sensible family struggling to put food on the table would decide that the solution to its hardship is to have more children. Common sense dictates that before expanding the household, one must first ensure there are sufficient resources to sustain those already under the roof.

Yet this is precisely the logic underpinning the proposal to expand Botswana's Premier League from 16 to 18 teams. At a time when clubs are grappling with chronic financial constraints and mounting operational costs, adding more teams will not strengthen the league.

Instead, it will spread already scarce resources even thinner. Bigger is not necessarily better. In football, as in life, expansion must be built on a solid foundation, not wishful thinking. It will take a lot of convincing from the pro-Gabofiwe camp to sway the majority of the delegates to support the motion, unless if voting has nothing to do with the merits.

If the argument is that more people will be employed with the increase, then this faces a stern test given the number of sides struggling to consistently shell players' dues. In fact, it might mean more pay disputes, while at the same time undermining the quality. Over the years, there has been evidence of newly promoted teams, struggling, not only on the pitch, but financially as well.

What has changed which necessitates an increase, if not a decrease in terms? The burden of proof lies with Gabofiwe and like-minded BFL shareholders.

Otherwise this is the least of worries for the Botswana Football League; a totally unnecessary motion which will otherwise take time from debating other pressing football matters on the day.

But the onus is on the movers of the motion to convince their colleagues on Saturday, may be they have strong reasons while a league reeling from financial pressures, deserves an additional two clubs.