Copa Coca-Cola receives P800,000 boost
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday June 22, 2017 16:29
The two parties have been partners in the annual Copa Coca-Cola Cup for the past three years.
This week, they revealed that this year’s competition, the fourth edition, has been sponsored to the tune of P800,000, which is a decrease from the P1.1 million of last year. The tournament, which targets grassroots development will see 230 secondary schools participating countrywide with over 35,000 children taking part.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s edition yesterday, assistant minister of Basic Education, Moiseraele Goya said Copa Coca-Cola initially committed to helping in the development of football at Under-15 boys and girls when they started sponsoring the competition four years ago, but went an extra mile by taking in the Under-17 boys and girls category, which was initially not in their plan.
“My ministry sponsors BISA 100% to run its day to day business, but it has become clearer to us that we are unable as the ministry to meet all their operational costs. I am happy that today we have a partner who will help ease costs on the side of government,” the minister said. He said the contribution of the Coca-Cola Company will go a long way in moulding and creating a path to the future of the children in the country.
He declared the government’s support for the company in its future endeavours. He said because of Botswana’s small market, it is difficult to find companies that are ready to commit their financial resources with the hope to get returns. He called upon BISA to jealously guard the relationship so that it can continue.
Goya also called upon the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to come to the party by working closer with both BISA and Copa Coca-Cola. “Your association has created stars for this country and we want you to create millionaires out of appreciating the efforts of your partners. I am happy that recently BISA and BFA signed a memorandum of understanding, which will create a smooth path for the two associations in laying down your programmes,” he said.
BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti said the partnership between BISA and Copa Coca-Cola will give future stars the platform to showcase their talent. He said companies invest in sport for returns.
He also revealed that his association submitted a proposal to FIFA on football development and was amongst the few on the continent, which were approved by football’s governing body.