The Shakawe stream-women’s football tournament, scheduled to commence tomorrow, (Saturday) until Monday 18th at the Shakawe VDC grounds, has landed a sponsorship from local businessman Akim Setswalo. The sponsor is said to be open to continue should the long weekend tournament become a success.
According to the stream’s Secretary, Tlhokomelang Ngaka, the initial agreement for now is that the sponsorship will be trialed with this weekend’s tournament, to the tune of P45 000.
Ngaka told Times Sport that the sponsorship is expected to continue next season with more details expected to finalised over the pre-season period before the start of the league next month.
Ngaka noted that the investor promised to work with the women teams to see them do well from the stream to the Regional Division and eventually to the women premier league. She indicated that the women football has over the years lacked sponsorship especially their grass roots.
For his part, the investor, Akim Setswalo revealed that the tournament will be sponsored at a total tune of P45 000.00 which will include the price money, the officials and catering as well as other logistics during the two days.
He indicated that referees will be paid P300 per game while the linesman and fourth officials with get P200 per game respectively. He revealed that he will continue to sponsor the tournament every pre-season to help boost players’ confidence towards the next season as well as expose them to the possible scouts for the bigger opportunities.
All the while, he will observe the progress of the women’s league with a view to offer it full sponsorship.
Meanwhile the Stream’s Secretary said the pre-season tournament will go a long way in helping the women teams with the much need funds for travel and food expenses next season. She added that the tournament will equally help them with gate takings, as proceeds will be used for the League Committee’s day to day operations.
Mohembo United Head Coach, Samuel Timothy has appreciated that the tournament will boost women’s teams finance. He also called on the sponsor to do more for the women football in the region. He said the P5000 they won from the Shakawe Stream Football tournament will help in preparations for the upcoming league in which they finished third last season.
