The banking giant, First National Bank Botswana have announced a staggering P54m to Botswana Football Association on Thursday night, 15th February 2024. Intentional in sports development in a shared value proposition, exemplified through our Grassroots to Greatness philosophy, FNB Botswana has actively facilitates the progression of young talent, moving them from their current state to their desired state with each sponsorship is designed to integrate upwards, enabling the Bank to engage with and support its stakeholders across all levels.
When speaking during the reveal last night at Lekidi Football Centre, the FNBB CEO Steven Bogatsu said, the sponsorship will see the Botswana Senior Women National Team dubbed The Mares receiving an annual sponsorship of P 4,5m a year making it a total of P13,500,000 for 3 years These funds will go towards necessities for the team such as team meals, accommodation, transport, allowances, and medical care . The funds will also ensure that the team gets the ideal experience during their training camps especially as they prepare for the much-anticipated Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Meanwhile The Botswana Premier League will receive P9.5m for the period spanning from the 2024 season which starts this August through the end of 2026 making it a total of P28,5m for 3 years. The funds will go towards prize money of the league, awards ceremonies, grants and administration fees.
Additionally the bank will spend about P12m for three years towards maximising the benefits for the BFA to elevate football in Botswana, as well as enhancing the experience for football supporters.
For his part the BFA president Maclean Letshwiti said, “it is an exciting partnership with the BFA. FNBB has shown commitment to supporting the Botswana National Women’s team and the Botswana Premier League and we have to commend them. Together, we’re set to make a significant impact on Botswana football, and we’re thrilled to see the positive changes”.
Furthermore, The Mares are expected to fly to Turkey this weekend for a training camp ahead of WAFCON finals under the guidance of coach Alex Malete. In Turkey, the team is expected to play in a tournament dubbed 2024 Antalya Cup. The tournament has the participation of 4 teams including Thailand (ranked 48th), Russia (ranked 26th), Belarus (ranked 57th), Botswana (ranked 153rd) in the FIFA Ranking.
