Financial constraints haunt cash-strapped BBA
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday May 12, 2015 14:38
BBA public relations officer, Mwelwa Sikwila told Mmegi Sport the association has been struggling to raise funds for some time now, with sponsors hesitant to come on board. Sikwila said a number of companies have been approached for sponsorship, but to no avail.
He said the BBA is forced to request players to pay for venues and referees to augment team registration funds. The BBA does not own any venue.
“We have failed to develop our own indoor facility. This is mainly due to funding constraints above all else. It is very expensive to build an indoor facility.”
The new FIBA rule states that all international matches are supposed to be played indoors.
When the senior men’s team hosted Mozambique early this year, the venue was an issue until Ditshupo Hall was secured. The association currently hires basketball courts for league matches from places such as the University of Botswana (UB).
The Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) only supports BBA when it comes to national team activities.
“None of our officers in the executive are paid as they are volunteers driven by passion for the sport, ” Sikwila said.
Due to financial constraints a number of basketball players have left the sport to pursue other interests.
“An early exit by women from basketball has a negative impact on the women’s league, national teams as well as the gender composition of the executive committee,” Sikwila said.
However, he said the league has successfully managed to run without a sponsor for a while. Through Re Ba Bona Ha project, BBA has managed to identify and nurture young talent.