BFL faces tough sponsorship talks
COVID-19 cases a concern
Botswana Football League (BFL) chief executive officer, Solomon Ramochotlhwane says everything is on course for the Premiership’s return in September, despite obstacles due to COVID-19.
Ramochotlhwane said sponsorship negotiations have been particularly a challenge as most companies have been hard hit by COVID-19.
“We are still in the boardroom negotiating with various players to see who is interested as title sponsor. We have wrapped up the broadcasting of games save for other broadcasting platforms, for which are still looking for partners,” he said. Clubs endured financial challenges as the Botswana Football Association (BFA) signed a five-year deal broadcasting deal with Botswana Television in 2015, with the last two years being cashless.
Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has been the title sponsor since 2009, but after accusing the BFA of failing to meet some contractual obligations, the company reduced its amount during the 2020-2021 season.
The BTC deal came to an end last year, and it is not clear if the company is on the negotiating table to continue bankrolling the local game. During a press briefing in June, Ramochotlhwane had said
they expect to tie up sponsorship deals and unveil partners by the end of July.
“We are on course although we have some prolonged negotiations. Our hope is to wrap up the negotiations as early as possible and plan for the start of the league.
You know most of the businesses are badly hit by the pandemic. We are doing all in our power to get the little out of them,” Ramochotlhwane said.
A surge in COVID-19 cases could also throw spanners in the works, with the country experiencing a devastating third wave. Ramochotlhwane said thus far, there have been no developments that will force a re-think of the schedule but concerns remain over several COVID-19 cases clubs continue to record. “We are on course to return to football. Most of the clubs are training. They are regularly submitting their surveillance report. (But) quite a number of teams are experiencing (COVID-19) cases and this is a setback to the already affected season kick-off. This may affect the preparations towards the start of football,” he said.
Ramochotlhwane said most teams are back on the pitch preparing for the new season, as they seek to dust off the cobwebs. “Most of them are in full swing, training, save for two teams, which are still to submit their return to play compliance to the BFA Medical Committee.”
Football authorities are battling to break a 16-month hiatus, after the local leagues were suspended last year March as a measure to halt the spread of COVID-19.
It will be 18 months since footballers last kicked a ball when the new season kicks off in September. Fingers are crossed there will be a smooth return after a frustrating lengthy period on the sidelines for players.