Barclays to sponsor Kabelano Cup for P1m

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Thursday April 11, 2013 00:00

 

Barclays Bank Botswana are the new sponsors of the one-day tournament which aimed at raising funds for charity.At the announcement event graced by several dignitaries among them Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Shaw Kgathi, it was revealed that Barclays have pledged P1 million for this year's event. The new partners have a proposed for a three-year marriage although finer details will be revealed at the launch. Minister Kgathi applauded Barclays Bank for their support towards the noble project. He said he is aware that the bank has sponsored other sporting activities among them Re Ba Bona Ha, a project aimed at identifying sporting talent.

The Bank has also partnered with Botswana Chess Federation (BCF). 'You continue to demonstrate what institutions like yourselves should do with regards to making a difference in communities where you operate. You are indeed more than just a financial institution,' Kgathi said. For his part, Kabelano Trust chairperson Terrence Dambe also praised Barclays Bank for the sponsorship and conceded that they in the past been faced with the mammoth challenge of finding a venue.

The Kabelano Charity tournament has been absent from the social sporting calendar for close to four years due to unavailability of a suitable venue. The event was in the past held at the National Stadium, which has been under renovation for almost five years now.  However, renovations on the stadium are anticipated to be completed in time for the tournament. The Kabelano organisers are also eyeing the New Lobatse Stadium as an alternative venue for the event.

This year's tournament will include three Premier League sides: Township Rollers, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Extension Gunners. The organisers are yet to decide how the fourth side will be included. The three sides, which have a large following have signed an agreement with Kabelano Trust to participate in the annual event.