BFL seeks P5.2M sponsorship
The league is searching for millions to cover prize money for clubs
Lack of accountability, maladministration, low grants for clubs, are some of the explanations that often popped up when discussing nagging affairs of the then Botswana Premier League ( BPL).
Chopping and changing of leadership at the BPL office became a common practice as struggles to elevate the standards of club football competition became more apparent. A notorious cashless deal back in the 2019- 2020 season, was almost a final nail on the coffin after BTC terminated their contract with BPL, the sponsor was reportedly displeased by how the league was operated. With clubs feeling let down by the status quo, calls to be granted their autonomy from the BFA grew louder by the day.
At the General Assembly of the association ( BFA) last year, a resolution was made to hand national leagues ( Premier League and First Division) their autonomy, giving birth to Botswana Football League.
Excitement was buzzing as the football community felt that responsibilities to make the decisions that will best benefit the clubs has been made and was expected to be a master stroke. However, it has not been a smooth ride at the newly formed entity as internal politics and alleged scramble for power caused turmoil which slowed the progress to quickly establish a strong base for success. After months of several postponements of the league start, the local league is expected to resume this weekend following an almost two years hiatus thanks to the outbreak of coronavirus. Five clubs were pardoned by the BFA’s First Instance Body ( FIB) last month after failing to meet requirements of club licensing.
Most of them failed due to matters relating to finances, with clubs currently still reeling from the effects of COVID- 19; the BFL’s proposed budget to run the league must be spot on for smooth operations. BFL Financial projections, according to close sources from the newly formed entity suggests