By Godfrey Mowaneng
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is racing against time to secure a technical sponsor for the Zebras ahead of the 2019 Afcon qualifier match in March.
The national team is currently without a technical sponsor following the elapse of the 36 months matrimony between the local football mother body and Tsa Gae (PTY) LTD which is trading as All Kasi.
Sunday Standard has turned out information that two international sportswear brands have already expressed interest in clothing the Zebras.
It is alleged that initial contact has already been made between the BFA and the two brands, who are alleged to be Puma and Nike.
The two brands will be rivalled by All Kasi, who, after their contract elapsed on the 12th January 2019, is reported to be keen on continuing their relationship with the BFA.
Close sources revealed that the BFA and All Kasi discussed the future this week but nothing concrete surfaced from the meeting.
“Tsa Gae management convened a meeting with the BFA top brass this week to discuss chances of future working relations but did not conclude negotiations. There are a number of international brands sniffing around for the opportunity to grab the technical sponsor slot. The likes of Puma and Nike are also on the brink of holding talks with the BFA,” a source told Sunday Standard.
It has also been brought to Sunday Standard attention that the association is looking for a partnership that will solely be pure sponsorship.
In the past deal with All Kasi, the BFA was expected to purchase some replica shirts from the technical sponsor and resell them with a mark up fee to make profits for the association.
“The BFA will consider a more sponsorship like partnership with technical sponsor, a complete package that will include soccer boots and trainer boots. All Kasi still stands a chance if they are ready to provide demands of the association which they didn’t provide in the past deal,” insiders told Sunday Standard.
Reached for comment, BFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo confirmed that there has been a lot of interest shown by various brands to partner the BFA as Zebras Technical sponsors.
“It is true we convened with Tsa Gae management this week for a review of the contract that elapsed recently as is the norm after contract conclusion. Very soon we will do a formal bid for an open tender for the technical sponsor,” Mfolo told Sunday Standard.
Although he could not reveal names of the sportswear companies, Mfolo confirmed that big brands names are among those interested in sponsoring the BFA.
“Both international and local sportswear companies have started enquiring and we will invite everyone to express interest and we will weigh our options,” the BFA CEO explained.
“All we want is to get the best deal which will ensure the national team does not struggle. Our hope is that talks will be concluded before their last Afcon qualifier match in March,” he added.
Mfolo went on to say that as much as the BFA is inviting new bidders, Tsa Gae will not be left out if they show interest in the process.
