Introducing Gaborone United FC Pty Ltd
general gathering, the executives of the club were mandated by the general membership to find a potential investor to take over the club.
“Fortunate enough, we have always had someone who has shown interest and has always been helping the team hence it was easy for us to find that particular investor. The fact that it is very much known that Zakhem has good will for the club, the general membership took a decision that we give him 80 percent and the remaining 20 percent will be shared by the supporters.
“This decision was taken at a meeting last week and now we have to do all the necessary processes before we hand all other details to the general membership, but I can officially confirm that the process of transformation has been completed,” he said.
Bantsi stated that there is no time frame over the ownership of the club and should there be any interest by the investor to leave the team or sell part of his shares, the general members of the club will be given a priority to add to their current 20 percent shares.
“At the moment, we have not put any time frame on the ownership of the club; going forward, if there is any chance or willingness to sell eventually, first preference will be given to Gaborone United supporters.
We are cognizant of the fact that, he may want to leave the club at some point and we must be in a position to be able to take over. He has pumped a lot of money into the team and he continues to do so,” Bantsi highlighted.
Earlier this week, The Money Machine launched a P3 million sponsorship, spanning over three years, from Bank Gaborone and unveiled their new technical sponsor ( Umbro).
The recent developments, other than their obvious successes on the field of play this past season, were made possible by the fact that the club now operates as a company.
The Reds have successfully defended their Orange FA cup trophy and also won the league for the first time since 2009, which has given them a chance to compete in the CAF Champions League.
“It does help, as a company you negotiate at a better level as compared to a society model,
you are able to give audited finances; it is easy to make assurances and guarantee future successes based on the project and objectives of the company,” he explained.
Several local clubs are looking to commercialize, amongst them, Mochudi Center Chiefs, who, although competing in the First Division, have recently announced that they also have completed their transformation project which began close to a decade ago.
Local FIFA accredited administrator, Ashford Mamelodi, ahead of the just ended season, drilled all First Division and Premier League clubs on the advantages of commercialization and helped them draft strategies to achieve the process.
The Botswana Football Association ( BFA) in partnership with UEFA Assist have also engaged the clubs in a bid to promote professionalization of the local game.