Orange returns to sponsor golf classic

NELSONDIRENG
CORRESPONDENT | Tuesday November 9, 2010 00:00

 

The tournament dubbed the Orange Classic is the last event in the BGU calendar this year. It will take place on November 20-21 at the Phakalane Golf Estate.

Orange Botswana took over the sponsorship in 2008 after motoring company, Naledi Motors, pulled out.

The tournament was however not staged last year as Orange Botswana did not finance it and no explanation has been provided for the development. But on Friday, Orange Botswana spokesperson, Pierce Kuhlmann told a media briefing in Gaborone that the company intends to sponsor the tournament for a long period.

He said Orange Botswana's core business is to bring people together via the internet and mobile phones. 'In this essence, sport is a unifying factor as it brings people together. As you may have noticed, we are involved in sponsoring different sporting events in the country,' he said. Kuhlmann said their other objective is to actively take part in sports development in the country.

'We always look for opportunities to work with organisations such as the BGU,' he said.

Orange Botswana has increased its sponsorship from P50, 000 in 2008 to P61, 800 this year.

Botswana Golf Union (BGU) executive secretary, Roger Lal said from the amount, BGU would use P45, 000 on expenses while Orange Botswana is expected to provide, among others, golf shirts and scorecards. 'At least 150 participants from Botswana and other countries are expected to compete,' he said.

BGU secretary general, Mpho Kelosiwang, said it is an honour that the tournament takes place at the Phakalane Golf Estate. He said the golf course is one of the longest and most prestigious in the country. 'If Orange Botswana sponsors the tournament longer and consistently, chances are that it would be rated by the international golf body,' he said.