The inaugural Botswana Football Summit (BFS) is scheduled to take place from March 22 to 24, 2024. The primary objective, as disclosed by BFS organizer Owe Mmolawa in a telephone interview with The Business Weekly Sports, is to catalyze discussions surrounding the commercial aspects of regional football.
“We have enlisted a cadre of speakers with profound experience in football’s commercial realm. Their presentations are anticipated to enlighten attendees on the diverse sponsorship opportunities inherent in football, clarifying the potential return on investment crucial for attracting commercial backing,” said Mmolawa.
Furthermore, Mmolawa emphasised that some speakers will impart valuable knowledge and tools to empower attendees in effectively marketing themselves, thereby fostering an environment of self-sufficiency that could significantly impact the commercial viability of football in Botswana.
In addition to these objectives, Mmolawa highlighted the importance of networking sessions during the summit, aiming to forge meaningful connections between football clubs and potential sponsors.
“Long-term partnerships may emerge from these sessions, with businesses recognising the value of aligning their brand with the passion and enthusiasm synonymous with Botswana football,” he asserted.
Mmolawa emphasized the expectation that speakers will share success stories from other regions during the summit, where collaborative efforts between football and commercial entities led to mutual benefits. The goal is to draw inspiration from these experiences and implement similar initiatives within Botswana.
The BFS aspires to serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration, innovation, and investment in Botswana football.
Mmolawa stated, “By addressing the specific needs of the commercial side of the sport, the summit aims to lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Botswana football.”
Among the distinguished speakers expected to share insights on the commercial aspect of football is Tresor Penku, La Liga’s Africa Managing Director involved in sports management and marketing. He holds a Masters degree in Sports Management.
“His commitment extended to the pursuit of expertise, obtaining qualifications in sports sponsorship, strategy and digital marketing from prestigious institutions such as the Barca Innovation Hub and IE Business School.”
Mmolawa said Penku is armed with a comprehensive and diversified academic background that saw him venturing into the professional world where he combined his love for sports and expertise in marketing and management.
Chris Bullock, a Sports Management Consultant with a rich background in Southern Africa, and Bernat Villa Gorriz, the Technical Director of Barcelona Academy, will also contribute their expertise, providing an international perspective to the summit.
On the local front, Molefi Obenne and Solomon Ramochotlhwane, respected figures within Botswana’s football landscape, are set to contribute their valuable insights.
The summit is poised to attract a diverse array of professionals, including players, administrators, technical staff, media representatives, and private sector leaders. Notable attendees include the Vice President of Botswana, Slumber Tsogwane, the Minister responsible for Sports, Tumiso Rakgare, and the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo Gare.
