SPRFA chairperson, Tebro Onkabetse, told Mmegi Sport that they decided to introduce the junior league as a way of grooming players at an early age. He explained that the league was mooted by the previous committee but unfortunately, it did not see the light of day. Letsholo Masikare has been appointed the coordinator of the junior league. Onkabetse lamented that the Premier League and First Division clubs have failed to have development sides. "We want to take children away from the streets and keep them occupied. At the moment, we are concentrating on boys but as time goes [on], we will be engaging girls. There are seven junior clubs that have been formed in Selebi-Phikwe and we are expecting another team to be registered soon," he said.
He added that his committee has failed to attract sponsors since it was elected. Onkabetse said they are still optimistic that they will find a sponsor, although he admitted that it is an uphill task. He said potential sponsors are saying they will avail money once the economic recession subsides. He stated that they have difficulties paying referees due to lack of funds. "The situation is not that bad this season because the Botswana Football Association (BFA) gave all regions P10, 000 each," he explained. He said transport costs for referees are draining their already strained financial resources. He urged regions to take a leaf from the Gaborone outfits which managed to secure sponsorship from Dirang Motors. Onkabetse said the Selebi-Phikwe region is not benefiting from gate takings from Motlakase and Miscellaneous matches. The two Central District Premier League clubs play in Selebi-Phikwe due to the unavailability of a stadium in Serowe and Palapye. On the positive, Onkabetse said BCL had promised SPRFA an office. He said it is important for the regional association to run its affairs from an office, rather than from the homes of officials.
