Sponsorship eludes rugby

Ready for action: Rugby returns after a lengthy lay-off PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Ready for action: Rugby returns after a lengthy lay-off PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Not too far from Botswana's border, rugby enjoys multi-million pula sponsorships. In 2021, MTN, the South African mobile phone operator, extended its headline sponsorship deal with the Springboks, the country’s men’s national rugby team, until 2025.

The original deal was worth between R40 million and R50 million per year, according to South African reports. In October 2020, SA Rugby extended its sponsorship deal with First National Bank for a further five years. But locally there is a dearth as the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) fires sponsorship blanks. The BRU is preparing for the start of activities but nothing is forthcoming in terms of sponsorship deals. The BRU secretary-general, Boitshoko Tsiane said lack of sponsorship kills motivation. “It is not nice for motivation.

Hope is not lost because we are working on something with potential sponsors. Our league is still struggling with sponsorship but we managed to secure something for the senior men’s team and referees,” he said. Rugby is preparing to kick off their activities with the Sevens tournament this month. Tsiane said the tournament is meant to assist the national team players to prepare for the Africa Cup Sevens to be played in Uganda next month. He said the 15s team gets back to the ground in May.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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