The 2024 Premier League season got underway with a thrilling encounter match between archrivals Gaborone United and Township Rollers. The match which ended in a stalemate drew large crowds and brought relief to the football fraternity that the much-awaited league season had finally started.
Spokesperson for the Botswana Football League (BFL),Mosimanegape Tshoswane, was pleased that the elite league had finally begun after a few hurdles. We are delighted that the league begun even though it started later than the time it was earmarked to start. What is important is that the competition now is on and people are happy,” says Tshoswane.
He said the turnout was good, indicating that people were looking forward to the league season. He claims that the league’s sponsor, FNBB, will inspire spectators to pack the stadiums.“We will be in continuous engagement with league sponsor and other stakeholders to address teething challenges that will enable the smooth running of the league” he said.
A football supporter who spoke to this publication expressed optimism about the season ahead. “We are expecting a good season that will make supporters to come to stadia in numbers. We also expect match officials to do their best and adhere to rules of the game. They must apply themselves objectively. We are expecting a drama free season” says Molopo Kalapile. He also encouraged teams to be professional in their undertakings so that they can attract partners that will aid then to move forward.
“With the coming of Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Extension Gunners, we are expecting good crowds at the stadia. He observed that Rollers, Tafic and Gaborone United along with the above mentioned two teams are capable of attracting good crowds when ever they play which will make the league more attractive.
Footballers’ Union Botswana was happy that the league has finally started. Through their media statement they observed that football unites the people and must be protected. FUB further advised teams to take players’ welfare serious and pay them on time.
The winner of the league walks away with P1.4 million. Each team of the 16 teams in the league was given P250 000.00 grant. The once off grants are expected to mobilise teams as the league progresses. The teams have been relying primarily on gate takings as their main source of income even though supporters were not coming in numbers to the stadia. Most games were played in almost empty stadia and have not been able to raise enough gate takings to augment their dire finances.
