06 Aug 2026

Football action returns to the North as the inaugural Tati River Cup, a one-day pre-season tournament, kicks off at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium tomorrow.

In an interview, tournament organiser, Modise Sifo said the event aimed to revive football in the Northern Region and strengthen regional partnerships, highlighted by the invitation of Zambian side Nkana FC.

In addition to the on-field action, Sifo emphasised the economic impact of the tournament, noting its focus on community development through sport tourism.

Local small businesses, along with the hospitality and transport sectors, are expected to reap significant benefits from the influx of visitors. The main tournament includes a strong four-team line-up comprising Township Rollers, TAFIC FC, Tonota FC and Nkana FC from Zambia.

The showcase would also feature curtain-raiser matches involving women’s teams, including Tutume Rangers and Mosetse FC, to ensure inclusivity.

“We do not want to leave women’s teams behind,” Sifo said, adding that organisers had partnered with the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) to bolster local sport tourism.

Dignitaries are expected to attend, including former Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane, Minister of Environment and Tourism also Francistown South MP, Wynter Mmolotsi, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship and Francistown East MP Tiroeaone Ntsima, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and Francistown North MP, Ignatius Moswaane, Assistant Minister of Health, Lawrence Ookeditse; and City of Francistown mayor, Gaone Majere.

Majere confirmed the local council’s full backing, having been involved with the project since its launch in Gaborone.

“Francistown will be busy, which is good for every business sector,” Majere said.

He praised the inclusion of women’s teams as a step forward for gender recognition in sport, urging residents from Francistown and surrounding areas to turn out in large numbers.

Sponsored by the HSNV Group, bet267, BTO and VTH, among others, the Tati River Cup promises high-octane football.

Tickets are available at various retail outlets including Choppies and Spar, priced at P100 for the grand stand, P70 for the Panda stand and P50 for general admission. ENDS