Premier League rakes in P11.8 million from gate takings

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday June 25, 2010 00:00

 

Last season's Be MOBILE Premier League games were watched by more than 475,000 fans, translating into more than P11,875,000 in revenue from the turnstiles. Though Botswana Premier League general manager, Phuthego Setete could not immediately provide more details, champions, Township Rollers, were probably the competition's cash cow with healthy attendances at both their home and away matches.

Second-placed Mochudi Centre Chiefs also pulled crowds even though their season ended trophy-less. Setete said clubs received increased grants of P140,000 up from P120,000 last season accruing from television rights. He said there would be a slight increase in revenue from broadcasting rights every season.

The Premier League is in negotiations with state broadcaster, Botswana Television (Btv),  to televise more live matches next season.

Btv acceded to the Premier League's request to televise midweek matches towards the end of last season.

Setete said the feedback that they got from stakeholders shows that they are impressed with the running of the game.

'Looking at the figures we have, there was a slight increase in the number of people who attended games. There was a significant improvement in revenue figures despite the fact that games were played outside Gaborone,' Setete said.

He said they have now set their sights on netting one million fans next season. Their target might be achieved largely due to the availability of stadiums in Gaborone next season. In the past season, most games were played outside the capital, save for some at the UB Stadium, which was used sparingly.

Analysts believe the relatively large number of fans who attended games was due to the title race between popular community sides, Rollers and Chiefs.

Matches involving the two sides attracted good crowds, with their first meeting in December attracting a full house.

Although the crowds pale into insignificance when compared to other established leagues in the region, it is indicative of the potential that can be harnessed from the local game.