The Botswana Football League (BFL) announced that Kitso Media will absorb the digital space of the First Division and will beam the league games on digital platforms.
The First Division's operations are under the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and will join the BFL in the next season. The Kitso Media partnership comes on the back of a failed five-year broadcasting deal between First Division leagues and Baboneng Film in 2018, which was worth P9 million. The 2023-2023 Debswana First Division leagues will kick off tomorrow.
It promises to be an entertaining affair in the second tier as a single promotional place is up for grabs. In the south, fallen giants, Extension Gunners will mark their return with an away trip to Black Forest on Saturday afternoon. Mapantsula have managed to sail through their financial troubles after the transfer ban was lifted.
The arrival of investor, Thabo Sechele, has lifted the mood in Lobatse as Gunners have seen the arrival of winter signings. Former Gaborone United's prospect, Gape Thibedi has joined alongside Township Rollers' duo of Boyo Lechaena and Thapelo Legae, who is on a loan transfer. Forest, however, are not a walkover as the team will be looking to better their last season's ninth finish.
Forest finished third in the 2021-2022 season and will look to be counted amongst the champions this season. Desert Nxau are also making their debut at home against Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the Tsabong VDC grounds. Newly promoted, UB Hawks take on Notwane at the UB Stadium as City Polar welcome Jwaneng Young Stars at the City Polar grounds. Uniao Flamengo Santos face Prisons XI at the Gabane United grounds as Mogoditshane Fighters welcome Tlokweng United at the Fighters grounds.
On the other side of Dibete, Makungulupeswa FC will begin their campaign at home to Pilikwe United at the Nshakazhongwe Primary grounds. Calendar Stars welcome Peace Makers at the Calderon grounds while Motlakase and Chadibe face off at the Palapye Sports Complex. Favourites, Green Lovers and BR Highlanders meet at the Masilo grounds as Santa Green face rivals, Tsabotlhe, at Pekenene grounds.
After a near-miss last season, Mbalakalungu will look for a good start against Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the Prisons grounds in Kasane. The First Division South league games will kick off at 3:30pm while in the north the games will start at 4pm.
