No loan for BFL as cash hunt continues

Botswana Football League (BFL) is still in the hunt for at least P15 million to get the league season started. Recently, there were reports that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) was considering a P15 million loan to its commercial wing, which was formed last year.

The BFL’s brief is to run the Premier League and generate its income. But it has been a difficult start for football’s newest body after COVID-19 clamped activities. BFL chief executive officer (CEO), Solomon Ramochotlhwane indicated they are working on raising the money. “We are casting our nets wide and not necessarily looking for P15 million,” he said. “BFA is not loaning us P15 million,” he said in response to a question on recent reports the mother body was ready to lend the BFL the sum required to get football activities off the ground. Ramochotlhwane said they are still to conclude the broadcast rights deal, which is key for the sustenance of the league and clubs.

At some stage, the BFL was said to be close to a ‘good deal’ with the national broadcaster, Botswana Television, but talks have since cooled. The deal was reportedly worth P5 million per season, with an inflation-adjusted increase every season. Previously, Ramochotlhwane said it was difficult to attract sponsors due to the current environment, where the start of football has been delayed. The local league has not been played since March last year.

Ramochotlhwane

said there is no definite date for the start of the season, despite talk of proceedings kicking off in October.