First Division sponsorship in limbo

Probed further on whether the league is likely to start- off without a sponsor, Mfolo did not rule out the possibility but stated that they were hopeful that a new agreement with Debswana will be reached before the First Division League starts.

“We have given them the first right of refusal, they have been very good to us over the years and it’s only right that we do this.

Either way [ the league might start without a sponsor], but we are hopeful that Debswana will renew,” Mfolo shared.

Close sources to the BFA have revealed that a meeting is scheduled for the 5th of August to press further on the future of the First Division sponsorship.

The BFA office has been accused of being disorganized which has resulted in negotiations for new contract talks to be delayed until this late.

“The composition of people who are negotiating the sponsorship is not ideal, there is a gap between the sponsors and the football officials, which is why in most cases the grants were delayed.

Other sponsorships have also elapsed and negotiations have not commenced and these are issues that the CEO is currently trying to bridge,” a close source to the BFA dealings revealed.

The First Division sponsorship was headed by former BFA officials, Pelotshweu Motlogelwa and Setete Phuthego who have since gone through the exit doors at Lekidi.

Following their departures, no imminent replacement were made and it has left a noticeable gap in the structures of the association, with sponsorship matters leading the concerns of the BFA leadership.

Other BFA officials have cited COVID- 19 challenges and late kick- off of the league last year as some of the challenges that have contributed to the late engagement over contracts renewal with sponsors.

This weekend will see promotional play- offs to First Division played in Serowe, another indication that the football season has gone beyond the expected period of completion.