01 Aug 2024

Botswana’s premier league will now be called, FNB Premiership, following the announcement of a three-year deal valued at P28.5 million between the Botswana Football League and First National Bank Botswana (FNBB).

The new logo and the kika-inspired trophy were also unveiled during the sponsorship launch in Gaborone yesterday. 

Speaking at the event, FNBB CEO Stephen Bogatsu said the sponsorship would start at the beginning of the 2024/2025 football season.

He said the funds would go toward prize money, awards ceremonies, grants and administration fees. 

Bogatsu said FNBB’s goal with the sponsorship was not only to support the league financially, but also to contribute meaningfully to the development and success of professional football in Botswana.

“We aim to create an environment where young talents can flourish, where professional athletes can achieve their full potential, and where the sport can thrive at all levels,” he said.

He further said they were sponsoring football because they believed that the challenges faced by the Botswana football were the same throughout the world.

 “We have decided to be part of football development and partner with you, because we know that you will rise above the challenges that you are currently facing,” he said.

FNBB, he said was dedicated to making a positive impact on the sport and all its stakeholders, and that included players, technical teams, administrators, and the fans who supported them.

He said their commitment extended beyond the pitch and aimed to ensure that the sponsorship enhanced the overall football ecosystem, promoted growth, professionalism, and sustainability.

He said football in particular had a profound impact on society, from encouraging youth participation to enhancing national pride.

“This sport moves beyond boundaries, cultures and backgrounds becoming a unifying force that brings together people from all walks of life,” he said. 

Botswana Football League CEO, Bennett Mamelodi said the partnership between FNBB and premier league was premised on seven cardinal principles.

The principles, he said were accountability, compliance, credibility, entertainment, governance, integrity and value.

The principles, he said would be the driving force in the new ‘marriage’ going forward.

Mamelodi further said they would rely on the media to tell the story, good or bad, without fear or favour. Ends