Zebras' success sparks cellphone war

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday November 26, 2010 00:00

 

The war started after the Zebras beat powerhouse Tunisia 1-0 to cement their stranglehold grip in Group K last week. Be MOBILE fired the first shot with an advert implying that Orange Botswana is reaping the rewards of a successful league. Orange Botswana are the official sponsors of the Zebras while be MOBILE sponsors the Premier League. Following the be MOBILE advert, Orange Botswana hit back with the jibe: 'We have made them green with envy'. Green is be MOBILE's corporate colour. Matters got more interesting when be MOBILE countered the dig from Orange with full-page adverts in the local press with a green Zebra and a clincher caption: 'Well done Zebras for leading the green revolution. Everyone's going green; industry, households, football... Now everyone is green with envy'. By the time of going to press, Orange had not come up with a response. But be MOBILE communications manager, Golekanye Molapisi said there is nothing wrong with their adverts.

'Our message is that our strong league (which be MOBILE sponsors) has contributed to the success of the Zebras.

We are saying we have made a contribution. We are not trying to steal the limelight from Orange. Why are people not saying that Orange is trying to steal the limelight from us?' Molapisi asked.

He said there should be no complaints from their competitors as what be MOBILE has stated is a fact. Orange public relations manager, Pierce Kulhman requested written questions yesterday before giving a response to the war of words.