Barclays injects P7.2million into BPL
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 16, 2019 12:26
The commercial bank joins Botswana Telecommunications Cooperation (BTC) as the main sponsors for the elite league.
However, BTC will remain as the league’s title sponsor as they enter the final of the three-year deal with the Botswana Football Association (BFA). Speaking at the sponsorship launch on Wednesday, Barclays Bank of Botswana board chairperson Oduetse Motshidisi said the bank has committed to the development of sport in the country.
Motshidisi advised that the development of football should be aligned to the modern methods used internationally for better results.
“Our sponsorship is evidence to our commitment to the development of our local talent pool here in Botswana. It is now more evident than ever before that we need to be innovative and future fit, and this cannot be achieved with the traditional mindset that only seeks to develop and hone talent from a formal education perspective,” he said.
BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti said the sponsorship was a step in the right direction towards professionalising local football.
“At BFA, we understand that sponsorships are not donations and sponsors want to see returns and they align with organisations that show good governance and accountability. Our partnership with Barclays present a beacon of light for football to grow and compete with their global counterparts,” he said. At the launch, State President, Mokgweetsi Masisi said the Zebras will play Liberia during the Independence Day celebrations next month.
“I have invited His Excellency the President of Liberia (George Weah) to come with his national team to play against the Zebras for the Independence Cup.
He is man of the game and his success is well documented and I believe the Zebras will give them a run for their money,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BPL has released a draft fixture list for the coming season. For the first time in 15 years the fixture list does not feature the mouthwatering Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs tie.
However, the opening weekend present the local fans with the Gaborone derby as holders Rollers welcome Gaborone United at the National Stadium on Saturday, August 31.
Last season’s runners-up, Jwaneng Galaxy will be away to Miscellaneous at the Serowe Sports Complex while newly promoted TAFIC will host Orapa United at the Francistown Sports Complex. Debutants, Morupule Wanderers will play their first ever top-flight match against Security Systems on September 1, while another newly promoted side Gilport Lions play Extension Gunners.