Debswana's First Division deal done and dusted

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Tuesday March 5, 2013 00:00

 

Debswana will sponsor the two Botswana Football Association (BFA) First Division leagues for P6 million for the next three years. The deal comes into effect at the start of the coming season, with the next three seasons allocated P2 million each.New BFA chief executive officer (CEO) Keith Masters confirmed the development yesterday saying it was a milestone for local football. Debswana and BFA officials met mid-last week to 'tie loose ends' on a deal that was first announced last year.

'We had a very fruitful meeting with them (Debswana) last week and it will be launched later this month. The actual date for the launch is 19 March at the Debswana building,' Masters told Mmegi Sport.Masters, who started his job last week, is excited about the development and believes it will go a long way in adding value to the local game.'I feel fantastic, the Premierships all over the world get all the glory and here the First Division will get some sponsorship. I am grateful to Debswana and it's wonderful for Botswana football,' he said.The sponsorship deal was expected to be launched last December, but was pushed to February 18, which also never happened.

First Division South chairman, Tariq Babitseng, said he was overjoyed at the development and anticipates growth in the league.'We have long awaited this and I must say it has come at an ideal time. It's a very big achievement. Teams have been suffering for the past seven seasons. I think it is going to appeal to teams to start having quality and going for fixtures,' Babitseng said.The last time the First Division had a sponsor was over seven years ago. Med Rescue was the sponsor and since then there has been nothing. 

Just over the weekend, the match between Young Strikers and Mochudi Buffaloes had to be delayed for almost an hour, as there were no FIFA approved balls. The situation is likely to improve with revelations that 20 percent of the P2 million allocated for a season, is for administrative purposes.Masters said an advertisement would soon be made for an administrator to manage the Debswana sponsorship.Clubs will also get monthly grants to keep them running. Although it is not clear how much the grants will be, indications are that the money could be in the region of P8, 000. An undisclosed amount has also been set aside as prize money for league winners.