Sports

BFA mulls TV airplay for First Division

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tariq Babitseng says the second tier league could hit the television screens in the near future PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE
 
Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tariq Babitseng says the second tier league could hit the television screens in the near future PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The First Division Leagues are to remain under the custodian of the BFA despite a move to grant back Botswana Football League (BFL) its autonomy in September. The move saw a delayed start for the second tier leagues and Babitseng has recently said this was to ensure readiness for the league start. He mentioned among other things, the delayed league start was to ensure proper grading of the second tier leagues. According to Babitseng, this was to allow the clubs to be judged by the BFA's regional structures standards rather than the starboard set for the BFL clubs.

He also expressed optimism over securing a premier sponsor for the second tier league while also looking to secure a broadcast partner. “Yes we are optimistic that we will be finding a partner soon for the First Division. We will also be looking at the TV side of it on how to engage (potential partners) and continue going forward,” said Babitseng in a press briefing held recently. This would be second tier league broadcast deal following the botched First Division South partnership with Baboneng Film Productions in 2018. The partnership was to increase visibility and exposure to the league through live broadcasts on MARU TV. However, the deal fell through after just a handful of games were broadcast.

Meanwhile Taung Young Strikers have maintained their perfect start in the First Division South as they sit two points clear at the top after just two rounds of league games played. Former Premier League sides, Notwane and Prisons XI remain without a win while Police XI secured their first win of the season over the weekend. Last season champions, Young Stars are having a torrid start to this season as they lost of all their games. Holy Ghost also is having a tough time adjusting to their return to second tier league football as they sit bottom without a point.