Mascom, BPL clear air on Zebras �snub�
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday November 12, 2014 12:12
But Mascom has blamed the incident on confusion from security personnel manning the gates.
“I understand the security details asked them to wait (before being admitted) as they sought clarity from Premier League (officials).
“The Premier League manages the games on our behalf. For us, everyone is welcome to our games. We support Orange as Zebras sponsors as they are doing this for the nation.
“I think it was a matter of the security team seeking clarity from the Premier League and the issue was eventually cleared,” said Mascom communications and public relations manager, Barbara Tshipana.
The company’s chief communications and public relations manager, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego, echoed this. “As Mascom we welcome everyone to the games. Obviously we would like all to celebrate the Mascom brand, but we would certainly not restrict the Zebras from our games on the basis of what they are wearing,” she said. Lebotse-Sebogo said restrictions only exist for the eight participating teams kits and they are specific to competing brands or their subsidiaries.
She emphasised that there were no restrictions to the public.
Botswana Premier League (BPL) chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi said the issue had been blown out of proportion.
“As far as I am concerned the issue of infringement is no brainer. We have an obligation to protect our sponsors, but there was never an issue (on Monday). A sitting arrangement was made for the Zebras. If there was an issue of infringement (on the sponsor’s rights), that was going to be brought to my attention,” Mamelodi said.
The Zebras are in camp preparing for Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia at the National Stadium.