BPL close in on BTC, Mascom deals
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday June 1, 2017 15:50
The league has been under the financial backing of Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) while Mascom Wireless bankrolled the Mascom Top 8.
There were fears that after last season’s chaotic scenes that marred the two competitions, the two sponsors would not be willing to renew their relationship with the BPL. However, indications are that the two companies are willing to continue working with the BPL. Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, acting BPL chief executive officer, Thabo Ntshinogang said they are confident they would have wrapped up negotiations with both parties at the end of this month.
“The discussions are ongoing as we speak and we are hopeful that we will conclude everything before the end of June,” Ntshinogang said. Meanwhile, Ntshinogang said the BPL has managed to achieve most of what they intended to this season as the league came to an end last weekend.
He said they had many positives both administratively and on the field of play as compared to other seasons. “We had no problems administratively.
Everything went as originally scheduled. Despite the late start to the season, we have managed to finish the league on time. We also did not have many cases before our disciplinary committees regarding the running of the league,” he said.
Ntshinogang also praised the teams for dishing out a good product on the field of play.
He said the fact that the league title was decided on the last but one game proves that there was stiff competition. “Even the relegation battle was decided on the last day,” he said.
His only worry was that the league was characterised by low turnout of spectators. He challenged the teams to try harder and attract more supporters to the stadiums next season.