TV delay won't stop Mascom Top 8

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Wednesday May 1, 2013 00:00

Botswana Premier League (BPL) chiefs had to indefinitely postpone the resumption of the be MOBILE Premier League early last month after failing to secure a TV deal.

The league was scheduled to restart on January 11, but hangs in the balance because the league needs to get a TV deal after failing to broadcast any games in the first round.

The setback seemed to threaten the start of the tournament but league chief executive officer (CEO), Bennett Mamelodi has assured they would meet Mascom terms, including the broadcasting of tournament games.

'We are confident that we will be able to meet all our obligations to Mascom as regards the Top 8 tournament, including televising the games. The dates of the Top 8 have been discussed and negotiated with Mascom. They have been approved and the board of governors has also sanctioned them. They will not change,' Mamelodi told Mmegi Sport.

But before the February 23 kick-off, the sponsors are organising a launch event in a fortnight, according to Mascom communications and public relations manager, Tebogo Lebotse.

She said they were ready for the tournament as the sponsors and referred all questions regarding what would happen to the Premier League should a TV deal not be sealed by the time the tournament starts.'Premier League is better placed to respond on the TV issue, but we are ready to start,' Lebotse said.

The Mascom deal enters the second and final season after the communications company poured in P7 million in a two-year deal. However, they have an option to renew for a third year.

Township Rollers won the inaugural edition. This year's edition will see last season's top eight finishers, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, BMC, Township Rollers, Gaborone United, Nico United, Ecco City Greens, BDF XI and Mogoditshane Fighters fight for the top honours.