For over a month, the two have reportedly been engaged in negotiations with sources indicating a new improved deal is imminent. Debswana has been in the First Division South and North leagues for a decade.
The BFA initially entered into an agreement with Debswana in 2012 in a three-year deal worth P6 million. The two entities renewed their ties in 2016 for a further three years with no improvement in financial terms.
Debswana once again returned as the second-tier league sponsor in 2019. This was on the back of reports of misuse of sponsorship funds by officials at the Lekidi Football Centre.
The BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti at the time told the BFA annual general assembly that he had to beg the diamond company to stay. Three years later, the two entities are back at the negotiation table.
Sources close to the proceedings say preliminary talks have been promising on the BFA side and officials at Lekidi have requested an improved deal. The insiders say the BFA is riding on a good relationship it has had with Debswana recently.
Debswana recently came on board to assist the Mares’ Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) adventure. Contacted for comment, the BFA communication and marketing officer, Carol Kgafela told Mmegi Sport that the association will remain tight-lipped on the matter. “The association chooses to not comment on the issue,” Kgafela briefly said.
With the public kept away from behind-the-scenes proceedings, the second-tier football league will meanwhile begin on Saturday with some enterprising ties in both the south and northern parts.
The First Division South League promises to be thrilling. This follows the promotion of an ambitious VTM FC and CrackIt CityPolar sides while heavyweights Notwane were demoted from the elite league in the previous season. Newcomers VTM and CityPolar will face off at the CityPolar grounds while Matebajana take on Tlokweng United at the Holy Ghost Park.
Returning Black Rangers are home to Notwane at the Tsabong showgrounds. URI Black Forest and Young Stars clash at the Forest grounds. Troubled Mochudi Centre Chiefs travel to Gabane to face Flamengo Santos as Matebele FC and Broadhurst United meet at The Nest grounds. In the north, the league opens with a Serowe derby as Miscellaneous and Green Lovers meet at the Masilo grounds.
Rolling Boys and BR Highlanders battle for the three points at the Mahalapye CJSS grounds while TAFIC travel to the northwest to meet Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the Maun Sports Complex.
Mbalakulungu will make their league debut away to Peacemakers at the Samabaje grounds in Bobonong. Motlakase Power Dynamos welcome Chadibe FC at the Oris Radipotsane Stadium in Pilikwe. On Sunday afternoon, Santa Green will be home to Calendar Stars at the Mahalapye Rural Centre. All the games kick off at 4pm.
