05 Dec 2013

Even though the first round of the DEBSWANA first division south league will conclude this weekend without much hurdles, the secretary for the region, Sidney Magagane said there are a few burning issues that need to be ironed out.


Speaking in an interview, Magagane said one such issue is that of the DEBSWANA sponsorship launch, saying most clubs in the region have been complaining that the sponsor is being taken for a ride.
 He said in a previous meeting clubs expressed concern that even though the sponsor has already given them grants twice, the league is yet to give them (sponsor) mileage, which is tantamount to taking the sponsor for a ride.


“The concern by the clubs came out of genuine concern and knowledge that sponsorships should build a reciprocal relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored,’’ he said.


He said the clubs have argued that in the meantime while still awaiting jerseys imprinted with the sponsor’s logo, they should be given the sponsor’s emblem to stitch to their old current jerseys.
 Magagane said the clubs have a reasonable feeling that the current development can scare away the sponsor.

He said the other issue that needs to be ironed out is that of payment of the referee’s mileage.
“At the moment the clubs are paying the referees officiating fees while the mileage fees are pending. We have requested the Botswana Football Association to negotiate with the sponsor to cover the mileage fees.
They bought our idea and are still negotiating that as it was not part of the initial package,” he said.


He said at the moment the referees are only officiating because of the mutual relationship between them and the region. Quizzed on the date of the sponsorship launch, Magagane said they are still in the dark as well, but said they are hopeful that it will be launched at the beginning of the second round.
 He said the commencement of the second round is expected mid January. ENDS