The Orange FA Cup’s three-year term comes to an end after today's final but the telecommunications giant and the BFA are in discussions to extend it by a further three years. Orange initially penned a three-year deal in 2019 to mark the start of the relationship between the two. This week, the BFA chief executive Mfolo Mfolo said they are eager to renew the deal. “As we move to the final phase of the relationship with Orange, we are really optimistic that the relationship will be renewed or rather in principle it will be renewed,” the CEO said.
He said talks have commenced between the two stakeholders and it’s only a matter of time before an agreement can be reached. “The two teams from Orange Botswana and BFA are putting together the proposals to see how we continue with edition three and seasons seven, eight, and nine of the Orange FA Cup,” Mfolo said. He further said it is imperative that the sponsorship is renewed as it has served as an epitome of hope for local football when no one showed interest in the sport. “We are forever grateful to Orange. In terms of sponsorship, I want to tell you that it is very difficult to sell dead property but Orange had confidence in football and for that we are grateful,” Mfolo said. “When nobody saw hope in the FA Cup, you came on board and said you will partner with the BFA to make sure that the FA Cup is one of the lights of Botswana football,” he said. He further said the BFA cannot afford to lose Orange for the FA Cup, as the competition remains the only one that gives the spotlight to teams that are in the lower divisions. “The FA Cup is one of the major competitions of the association which incorporates teams from the lowest structures to the elite league. It is the only opportunity for the lower leagues to rub shoulders with teams from the Premier League, where the cheer-boy meets the hero,” he said.
