Clubs have resisted calls to reduce the Premier League from 16 to 12 teams. However, recent developments have seen two teams facing an uncertain future, which could leave the assembly with 14 sides for the time being. VTM and Masitaoka are amongst the clubs that are finding it unsustainable to stay in the top division, as the high costs of running a football side take their toll. Critics were quick to point to the upheavals in the local game’s leadership, arguing the sport is generally poorly managed, and it did not pay dividends to run a club.
The Premier League has been without a title sponsor since 2020 but the winds of change are blowing after the First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) announced a P28.5 million rescue package for the domestic league over the next three seasons. FNBB CEO, Steven Bogatsu, effectively passed a vote of confidence on local football despite the recent turmoil, with the commercial bank pouring millions into the beleaguered game. Bogatsu argues, the challenges that face the local game are not peculiar to Botswana but affect most nations that are involved in football. There has been thinning confidence in local football due to the unending boardroom fights centred on the control of the BFL.
The reduction of teams was one of the catalysts for the enduring fights as some clubs opposed the move. But a natural elimination process appears to be taking place as VTM and Masitaoka are on the verge of surrendering their statuses. Last week, Mamelodi indicated the two clubs had not formally approached their office to announce their intentions to drop out. VTM are said to be considering selling their status as talks continue with potential suitors. However, negotiations with Mochudi Centre Chiefs fell through this week. But VTM are expected to push ahead with the sale, despite the arrival of FNBB and the prospect of financial rewards during and at the end of the season. Yesterday, the bank and the BFL unveiled a new trophy and logo for the revamped FNB Premiership, which should signal better times ahead. It remains to be seen if these developments are sufficient to trigger a change of heart from both Masitaoka and VTM.
With Masitaoka, the club’s directors are reportedly pushing for a return of the team to the Molepolole community. Mamelodi sees such developments as strange as the Premier League as the premier division, is supposed to be the pinnacle of any club's dream. However, some clubs are handling their Premier League status like a hot potato, ready to throw it away at the next available opportunity. These developments come even with the FNB windfall on the way. But there could be more than just the prevailing conditions within football, which are taking the shine off the Premier League. Bogatsu could be right by saying some problems are not exclusive to Botswana football.
Leadership wrangles are in fact the hallmark of the game in some countries within the continent. There are closer examples in Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, where in some instances, the countries have been banned by FIFA after the government was forced to intervene in the running of the game. The actions of football leaders cannot be condoned, but Bogatsu’s view contains some grain of truth. Contrary to the widely held belief that the running of football clubs is a challenge due to the lack of sponsorships or grants, there are wealthier leagues where sides are forced to sell their status due to struggles with finances. In South Africa, which is one of the continent’s top leagues and recently signed an R300 million sponsorship deal with Betway, some clubs have been queueing to sell their status.
One of the revered sides, Bloemfontein Celtic folded due to financial challenges and Royal AM moved in to buy the status and relocate the club to Durban, while the Moroka Swallows owner has put up his side for sale, citing mounting debts. The South African Premier Soccer League sides have experienced a lot of what VTM and Masitaoka are going through. The likes of Mpumalanga Black Aces, Chippa United, and Royal AM amongst a host of other clubs, have utilised the available avenue of purchasing Premier League statuses of struggling clubs. Even in England, some clubs like Everton face challenges in what is considered the world’s wealthiest league. As Bogatsu said, the challenges facing club owners are not exclusive only to Botswana. It could point to the issue of models adopted by the clubs. Notwithstanding, the absence of grants or prize money exacerbates the situation, but there is evidence that it is not the alpha and omega of local football clubs' challenges.
