Absa Bank Botswana is accelerating its commitment to youth empowerment and talent development through a strategic partnership with the Dinaledi Football Academy, an ambitious, high-performance programme designed to transform young footballers into future national and international stars.
Following an intensive nationwide Dinaledi Soccer Talent Search conducted in 2025, Absa leadership this week engaged directly with academy players, coaches, and management, reaffirming the bank’s long-term commitment to investing in initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people across Botswana.
Since its launch in September 2025, the Absa–Dinaledi Academy partnership is already demonstrating strong early impact. This is reflected in the first cohort of 52 under-13 and under-15 players, carefully selected through a rigorous national scouting process, who are now undergoing structured, high-performance training designed to unlock their full potential.
Speaking at the event, Dinaledi Football Academy President, Aryl Ralebala, highlighted the transformational nature of the initiative.
“This programme is about more than just football, it is about changing lives. We are planting a seed that will grow across Botswana, creating opportunities for many more young people. You have been chosen to represent something bigger than yourselves. Take this seriously, and write your own story.”
For his comment, under-13 Elite coach, Wame Mokoke emphasised the quality and potential of the selected players, adding, “these are raw, exceptional talents. With the right training, discipline, and support from partners like Absa, we are building a pipeline of players who can compete at the highest levels locally, regionally, and internationally.”
The Academy is positioning itself as Botswana’s first fully integrated high-performance football development programme. Players train five times a week, compete in the Gaborone City Regional Development League, and participate in national tournaments, providing them with consistent, high-level competitive exposure.
The Academy’s Operations Manager, Hassan Stoffel noted the scale and ambition of the initiative adding that this is a groundbreaking programme for Botswana. “ He added, “We have invested in professional coaching, facilities, and holistic player development. Our goal is clear, we aim to produce talent that can be exported to top clubs and elevate Botswana’s presence in global football.”
The Dinaledi talent search programme represents a life-changing opportunity for the young athletes. Sharing their experience with the Academy since enrollment, participants Leruo Maruping and Lefa Sechele expressed their determination to excel, highlighting how the academy is helping them sharpen their skills and pursue their dreams with renewed confidence.
Absa Bank Botswana’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Dennis Mambure, reinforced the bank’s belief in the power of opportunity. He went on to express that, “when I look at these boys, I see the future of African football. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This initiative is about closing that gap. We want to see these young players competing not just locally, but on the African continental teams and beyond.”
