COVID-19 impact on Debswana could hit Orapa, Galaxy
Chakalisa Dube | Friday April 3, 2020 20:23
Already precedence has been set before in the country that when companies hit a rough patch they usually cease funding activities that are not part of their core business such as football.
For example, under a cloud of financial trouble in 2013, Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) decided to cease sponsoring then two Premier League sides BMC FC and ECCO City Greens. The two sides have struggled to finance their operations since then. BCL also ditched Nico United owing to serious financial challenges in 2014. The club was ultimately relegated from the Premier League.
In the wake of growing challenges brought by the coronavirus, one concern is growing louder amongst football fans. Questions would linger as long as Debswana faces challenges arising from the coronavirus crisis. The two clubs would pray the outbreak is contained sooner rather than later.
The two teams mainly depend on the backing of Debswana and over the years they have managed to compete for honours with the country’s top clubs such as Township Rollers and Gaborone United. Already there are indications from industry observers that the mine like other businesses globally might struggle to recover post the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, there is fear the mine’s recovery process might involve ditching non-core businesses like funding its sports teams or alternatively reducing the financial assistance it gives to the two teams.
Orapa United spokesperson, Kabo William yesterday said the club is not deeply worried about the prospects of losing its sponsorship from Debswana.
“At the moment there is no indication that the mine will ditch us in the near future. There is no need to panic. If there are any changes we have measures in place to ensure that we can still survive. We have businesses (restaurant and bar) that we are running. In case the mine ceases funding us the businesses can help the team to survive although I acknowledge that we might have to cut some expenses.”
“I, however, have to reiterate that there is no need to panic because at the moment there is no indication that the mine will stop or reduce its support to the club.”
Yesterday Jwaneng Galaxy chairperson, Njabulo Gilika also said there is no need to panic.
“The whole idea was never to be solely reliant on the mine. Our initial five-year strategy, which ended in 2019, was to ensure that the club settles in the premier league, something that we have achieved. The next strategy, which is what we are on now is to come up with strategies to sustain the club. We just emerged from a strategic retreat where we came up with several initiatives meant to ensure the sustainability of the club,” he said.
Gilika emphasised that as part of the new strategy, which would also run for five years, Galaxy would be embarking on several businesses meant to ensure sustainability of the club.
“We also run a sports shop and a bar, which augment what we get from the mine.”