Champions League qualifiers kick off without a sponsor
Kabelo Boranabi | Thursday August 20, 2026 10:03
The development marks the end, at least temporarily, of Hollywood bets’ association with the regional women’s club competition, having served as title sponsor from 2022 through the 2025 edition.
COSAFA executive director Sue Destombes confirmed the commercial transition yesterday during a press conference on the eve of the tournament, admitting that the regional body is already looking for a new partner.
“We are going through a transition, and we are certainly hoping to attract one before the next edition. It is always good to have a title sponsor. I think it gives gravitas,” Destombes said.
She acknowledged that there are disadvantages to staging the competition without a sponsor but insisted COSAFA would continue to deliver a professional tournament.
“There is always a downside to not having a proper sponsor, but we do what we think we do best, and that is put on a professional show for the good of our member associations, the players, the coaches, the referees and the administrators,” she said.
Destombes said COSAFA is marketing the competition across its member countries in an effort to increase visibility and attract commercial investment.
“It is a work in progress,” she said.
The sponsorless edition will also introduce a P20 entrance fee for spectators, although Gaborone United (GU) supporters will be admitted free of charge, with the club covering the cost for its fans.
The commercial challenge comes as the women's club competition continues to grow in profile, with clubs competing for the region's ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League. For COSAFA, however, the 2026 tournament represents more than another battle for continental qualification. It is also the start of a search for a commercial partner capable of giving the competition the financial backing and 'gravitas' Destombes believes a title sponsor provides.
The qualifiers kick off tomorrow in Gaborone, with eight clubs chasing regional supremacy and a place in Africa’s biggest women's club football stage.