The Botswana Football Association (BFA) said it postponed the FNB Botswana Premier League season which will kick off on October 4 to comply with the association’s constitution and best practices.
The newly appointed BFA President, Tariq Babitseng, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law in managing Botswana’s football.
“We want to do things the right way, according to the constitution,” he said.
The decision to delay the league’s start is part of the BFA’s larger initiative to restore order and transparency in the sport, which Babitseng said will be a key feature of his leadership.
The season will open with six eagerly anticipated matches across various stadiums in the country, including a headline clash between long-time rivals Gaborone United and Township Rollers. These two football giants will face off at the National Stadium in Gaborone at 3:30 p.m. in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive match, drawing fans excited for the return of top-tier football in Botswana.
Both Gaborone United and Township Rollers have storied histories in the league and are known for delivering high-energy performances. Fans of both sides have been eagerly awaiting this match, which will set the tone for the rest of the season. Rollers, who have dominated Botswana football in recent years, will be keen to start strong, while Gaborone United will look to build early momentum.
In other matches, Orapa United will take on Chadibe FC at Itekeng Stadium. Orapa will aim for a commanding start to the season, while Chadibe, a relatively new team in the league, will look to make an impression. This match also kicks off at 3:30 p.m.
At BIAC Stadium, BDF XI will go head-to-head with Matebele FC in what promises to be a balanced contest. BDF XI, a seasoned side in Botswana football, will try to use their experience to dominate, while Matebele will aim for an upset. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., offering fans a prime-time fixture under the lights.
Elsewhere, Mochudi Centre Chiefs will battle Morupule Wanderers at Palapye Stadium, and TAFIC FC will face Nico United at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium—both matches also start at 3:30 p.m. The day’s action will conclude with Extension Gunners taking on Sua Flamingoes at Lobatse Sports Complex, also at 3:30 p.m.
The football action continues with two key fixtures. Security Systems will face Flamingo Santos at Lobatse Sports Complex, and reigning league champions Jwaneng Galaxy will take on VTM FC at the VTM Arena. Both matches are set for 3:30 p.m., with Galaxy hoping to begin their title defense in a dominant fashion.
Beyond the excitement of the upcoming matches, Babitseng’s comments during the media briefing signaled a new era for Botswana football. He was candid about the challenges the sport faces, particularly in terms of governance and the need to return to legal principles.
“Everyone who has not been doing things according to the law in local football must know that it’s over. We are starting to do things according to the law,” Babitseng declared.
He also assured stakeholders that his administration would focus on bringing fans back to the stadiums, a key element of his leadership manifesto.
“Part of the manifesto which has been received by my executive committee is to bring back football lovers,” he said, acknowledging that the sport had lost some of its former shine.
Babitseng spoke passionately about rekindling the pride that football once instilled in the nation.
“We are going to take football to greater heights,” he said. “We are going to look at everything that football was in the past. We are a very proud sport. For the first time, athletics is the talk of the town, and it’s the one filling the stadium. That has never happened before.”
Reflecting on the past, Babitseng noted that football used to be a unifying force for Botswana.
“Those were the times when every Motswana was proud to be a Motswana, whether we lost or not. We had hope that we were going somewhere. We are here to say we are going to make sure we go back there or even further.”
Babitseng also highlighted the BFA’s commitment to developing both women’s and youth football. “We are going to see how robustly we can develop women’s football as well as youth football,” he emphasised, underscoring the importance of investing in the future of the sport.
