Mares to pocket P26,000 each
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 20, 2020 16:24
The team reached the final of the tournament held in South Africa for the first time in history, but went down 2-1 to the hosts, who lifted their fourth consecutive title.
For their heroics, the Mares will be smiling all the way to the bank, as each member of the playing squad will receive around P26,315 each.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development promised the team P250,000 for reaching the final. The sum would be shared amongst the 20 players and six technical members, meaning they each get P9,615. In addition, the players will receive P3,500 for the four-match day appearances from the Botswana Football Association taking the total to around P14,000.
Mares would then receive P2,000 each as per Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) athlete incentive package for a silver medal position alongside P50 per day camp fee, which is multiplied by 14 days of the tournament, giving them a relative handsome figure of P26,315.
The sum represents the highest individual pursuit in local women’s football. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, BFA public relations officer, Tumo Mpatane despite not giving the actual figures, said the team would go home with fat cheques. He also said the monies are being processed by the BNSC and the players would be paid once the process is done.
“It is going to be a large amount. I cannot say how much because some of the funds do not come from our office. The BNSC is processing the remunerations,” Mpatane said.
“I cannot say when the players will be paid, but I can assure you that the BNSC has promised that the process will be as efficient as possible.
Although we had wanted to lift the trophy, we should laud the team for their efforts in South Africa.” The team landed in the country on Monday and were placed under isolation. However, they were released on Wednesday, but would be under observation as a precaution against the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Mares have over the years shown great improvement in their performances.
In the last year’s edition of COSAFA, the team reached the semi finals. Led by former Double Action attacker, Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang, the team reached the second round of the Olympic Games qualifiers, knocking out perennial tormenters, Banyana Banyana. It was the team’s first official win over the seven-time COSAFA Women’s Championship champions.