Debswana sponsorship improves the NFD league

Debswana mining company this week launched the National First Division league in Gaborone. However the two leagues are currently not on par as their calendars are a few weeks apart. The Southern division league is on its third week while its northern league has been placed on hold by a pending case lodged by Chobe United. Speaking during a Debswana league press conference this week, the southern national league chairman Sam Keitireng said their partners have seen value for their money. Teams from the lower leagues cemented their BPL status since the partnership was signed three seasons ago. The national leagues managed to pay match officials at the end of the 2016/17 season.  

The NFD South league is expected to be launched in Otse Police College this Saturday with a match between Ramotswa based Letlapeng and current leaders log leaders Notwane FC. Speaking during the same occasion, Letlapeng chairman Freddy Ditlhong said his team is ready for the game.  An enthusiastic Ditlhong took time to boast that his club has the youngest coach in the league, though he did not talk about the coach's abilities. “We will be number one or two at the end of the season,” Ditlhong said.

The NFD leagues are currently enjoying sponsorship worth P6 million for three seasons, which means the two leagues divide P2 million for administration, mobilisation and prize money. The winners from both leagues gain automatic promotion into the elite league. 

The runners up will play each other on play-off games on home and away basis to determine the 16th BPL team for the new season. The past two seasons saw three northern clubs relegating from the top league, while 1 team (league winners) make it to BTC premiership. The BTC premiership last week extended its partnership to Botswana premier league.  Football is expected to start rolling on the 23rd September.