Mares receive P1,000 for Banyana win
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday September 6, 2019 11:24
On Tuesday evening, Mares put on a brave fight against perennial tormenters, Banyana Banyana in the second round of the 2020 Olympic Games qualifiers at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
The local girls won 3-2 on penalties after the tie remained deadlocked 0-0 over the two legs. This was the Mares’ first ever victory over their Southern rivals in nine meetings and for their efforts, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) has offered extra incentives to the team. “There are no bonuses for the senior women’s national team in the Olympic qualifiers.
The FA does not allow for that. The players were promised P1, 000 each for a win against Banyana Banyana. T
his is in addition to their daily allowances and the appearance fees; they are given by the BNSC. The P1,000 (each) is for the whole team, players and technical (team),” said Botswana Football Association’s (BFA) chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo.
He added the BFA could not commit to more invectives in the future due to the association’s tight budget. “I cannot commit for now. A decision will be taken in due course based on affordability and how the private sector responded.
Otherwise, it should not be about the money but representing the country for patriotism and exposure,” he said. “(Goalkeeper) Sedilame Boseja is a typical example. We want our players to play outside the country. We can only appeal to the private sector and Batswana at large to support this noble cause.”
The Mares have been outstanding this year after breaking the Banyana hoodoo and reaching semifinals of the COSAFA Cup. They have made it to the third round of the Olympic qualifiers for the first time. Botswana will now play Zambia at the end of the month.