GU nets P4m Sunbet jackpot
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:18
The sponsorship, launched at the GU Stadium on Friday, comes as clubs intensify preparations for the 2026-27 campaign. The deal reinforces team's position as one of the country's commercially attractive football brands.
It is good news for the GU family, which held its awards on the same night, coming off the back of a successful season for both the men and women's team.
The Reds, as the men's team is affectionately known, won back-to-back league titles, while the women's side, the Red Roses once again bagged the domestic title, while also emerging as COSAFA champions.
Club director, Nicholas Zakhem, speaking at the occasion, said GU is not just a football team, but a family.
'We feel we are blessed. We are a family, that is why we have been successful and we urged all teams to adopt that. Football has to absorb everyone. 'Football is a big employer, and at Gaborone United we employ 110 fulltime people and there is also indirect employment,' Zakhem said.
He explained that all the men's team players are professional and so are most of the women's players, while a few are students. Zakhem appreciated the support rendered by sponsors, that include Sunbet Botswana, Bank Gaborone and Yash Cell.
Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa who was the guest speaker, said GU's success was built on a strong institution.
'They are not only custodians of trophies but of strong values that continue to inspire Batswana,' said Mohwasa, a staunch Reds supporter.
Sunbet Botswana country manager, Tsholofelo Makgoeng, emphasised the importance of the growing relationship with GU.
'We are here to celebrate excellence, recognise determination honouring individuals and an organisation that continues to raise the bar,' Makgoeng said.
'At Sunbet, we believe greatness is never accidental. It is built through hardwork, resilience and ambition, and the courage to dream bigger,' she said. The Sunbet deal will run for two seasons, with the betting company's logo now occupying the front space of the Reds' jerseys.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tariq Babitseng lauded GU and Zakhem in particular for the role in the development of football.
He said Zakhem had made a lot of sacrifices for the local game, including availing the GU Stadium.
'It demonstrates your vision beyond one club, that if Botswana football succeeds, Gaborone United succeeds. This is leadership of the highest order and for that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) sincerely thanks you,' Babitseng said.
With the new FNB Premiership season drawing closer, attention will now shift to whether rival clubs can match GU's commercial momentum. The Sunbet partnership now serves as a benchmark for Botswana football and is expected to catapult the red side of Gaborone as the club goes in search of a record third successive league victory.