The relationship between one time sponsor Mascom Wireless and the Botswana Football League (BFL) is on the mend following what has been a period of tensions.
Relationships between Mascom and BFL soured after the latter dragged the former before the court of law. BFL accused Mascom of failure to honour its sponsorship commitments. The legal battle put a significant strain on the once harmonious relationship between the two entities.
The current board of the BFL however made a resolution to withdraw the lawsuit, signalling a move toward reconciliation. BFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bennett Mamelodi, expressed relief and optimism about the resolution of the issue.
“We are happy that the matter will finally be put to rest. The board has made a decision to withdraw the lawsuit unconditionally,” Mamelodi said. His words underscored the desire for the conflict to end, acknowledging that the legal battle had been a source of unnecessary tension.
Mamelodi emphasised it was of great importance to resolve the issue promptly. He said that he is hopeful that the matter will be concluded before the end of the season. “The matter is currently in the hands of the legal representatives of both organisations. We are optimistic that it will be resolved amicably because this dispute should not have arisen in the first place. Mascom has always been a valuable partner to the Premier League,” he commented.
The dispute between Mascom and the BFL stemmed from the perceived failure of the cellphone giant to live up to its sponsorship promises. The BFL had depended on the local telecommunications giant’s support, especially for the financial backing that is crucial for the smooth running of the Premier League.
In retrospect, Mamelodi acknowledged that the situation should never have escalated to such an extent. “This issue has put unnecessary strain on our relationship, and it should have never reached this stage,” he confessed. Though the matter reached courts before he took the reins at BFL, he said he regrets the matter reach courts.
The BFL CEO says in the world of sports sponsorship, these partnerships are vital. He said when they falter, it affects not just the organisations involved, but also the football fans who rely on the league’s success for entertainment and pride.
Despite the recent issues, Mamelodi emphasized that the relationship with Mascom had been largely positive in the past, and there was hope that it could be restored to its former strength.
“Looking ahead, we want to rebuild this relationship, and we are optimistic about the future,” Mamelodi added. His comments hinted at a desire to not only mend fences but also strengthen the partnership for the benefit of the league and the football in Botswana.
Football, after all, is about collaboration, and successful sponsorship deals are a cornerstone of any football league’s financial stability and growth. As for now, football stakeholders will be watching closely, hoping for a swift and amicable settlement that will allow both parties to move forward and focus on what truly matters, the success of the league and its activities.
The BFL’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit marks a turning point, signalling a renewed commitment to working together with Mascom. For Mamelodi and the BFL, the hope is that this chapter will soon be closed, and that both sides can look to the future with a sense of cooperation and shared purpose.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi denied the allegations that they are in talks with Mascom to once again sponsor the League Top 8 tournament. “It’s news to me. We cannot talk anything else until and unless the legal issue is done” he said.
Mascom started their relationship with football as the title sponsors of the Botswana Premier League. When the sponsorship ended after three seasons, they then sponsored the Top 8 tournament for a period spanning almost ten seasons. Mascom Top 8, as the tournament was known, became the most popular tournament and attracted a large following.
While Mamelodi said there are no talks ongoing to bring back Mascom as the Top 8 tournament sponsor, the imminent withdrawal of the lawsuit and the mending of relations might see the two parties rekindle the tournament.
