P500,000 Brand Botswana deal for netball world cup

Naledi Lemogang | Thursday March 30, 2017 16:09

Botswana hosts the competition from July 8 to 16, 2017 and yesterday marked 100 days before the event.

The Brand Botswana’s sponsorship is specifically to cover the opening and closing ceremonies of the event. LOC chairperson, Prisca Mokgadi told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they are working hard to attract sponsors.

 She said the committee does not rest since they want a successful event.

Brand Botswana, meanwhile, sees sports as the biggest vehicle that it can use to brand the country.

The upcoming netball cup presents Botswana with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality to the world. Speaking at the Brand Botswana Partnership Launch held in Gaborone on Tuesday, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) chief executive officer, Meshack Tshekedi said as the nation’s brand custodian they are proud to partner with the upcoming NWYC as they will increase their brand awareness and recognition. 

Tshekedi highlighted that Botswana is in a fierce battle with other nations for direct investment, tourism and export markets therefore such events provide the platform for increased recognition and confidence in Botswana’s ability to attract and host potential investors and tourists.

“The NWYC is a national project that all Batswana should embrace and support. Therefore, I urge other organisations to come on board and support the tournament and this is not about netball rather it is about Botswana,” Tshekedi said.

He said the success of hosting the tournament will go a long way in promoting and positioning Botswana favourably.  He noted that hosting international sporting events is invaluable for any country as it promotes sport development and brings attention to a particular country.

Batswana, especially the youth, have been urged to grab the opportunity with both hands in order to reap economic benefits associated with hosting. 

Assistant minister of youth empowerment, sport and culture development, Kefentse Mzwinila said the country will reap great socio-economic benefits due to hosting of the competition.

He added that Brand Botswana’s decision to sponsor Team Botswana is commendable and came at the right time.

“The 20 countries competing in Botswana and 70 others attending the congress will leave great benefits for small businesses, youth businesses and the tourism sector,” Mzwinila said.

Meanwhile, the Botswana team is in camp in South Africa as preparations reach the last lap.