- The inaugural Tati River Pre-Season Tournament aims to kick-start the new Botswana Premier League season while boosting business activity in the country’s second city
TLOTLO KEBINAKGABO
The countdown to the new Botswana Premier League season will begin on August 8 when Francistown hosts the inaugural HSNV-sponsored Tati River Pre-Season Tournament, a one-day competition designed to combine pre-season football with efforts to stimulate the local economy.
The tournament, to be staged at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, will feature newly promoted Tonota FC, Tafic FC, record Botswana champions Township Rollers and Zambian side Nkana FC.
Organisers say the event is intended to give clubs meaningful preparation ahead of the new campaign while establishing a football attraction capable of drawing supporters and visitors to Francistown.
Economic Focus
Speaking at the launch, HSNV Managing Director Boikhutso Ramahobo said the company’s involvement is rooted in its commitment to community development and its belief that football can contribute to broader economic activity.
“Based in Francistown, HSNV sees the north as its home and regards investment in local sport as a natural extension of its corporate responsibility efforts,” Ramahobo said.
He said a major football event creates opportunities beyond the stadium.
“A major football event has a ripple effect across the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, artists and small businesses that stand to gain from the influx of supporters,” he said.
Ramahobo added that the inclusion of Nkana FC would raise the level of competition while exposing local players to different styles of play ahead of the new season.
While the winners’ prize has not yet been announced, he said organisers are still engaging additional partners and sponsors before confirming the final prize package.
Local Support
Francistown Regional Football Association chairperson Carlos Motaung described the tournament as an important step in reviving football activity in the city.
“It aligns with efforts to keep Francistown vibrant through sport,” Motaung said, adding that more events, including the Mayor’s Cup, are planned.
Francistown Mayor Thatayaone Majere also said the tournament is expected to generate significant socio-economic activity for the city, highlighting sport’s growing role in local development.
Club Preparations
For the participating clubs, the tournament provides an opportunity to assess new signings and refine tactics before the league campaign begins.
Tafic FC officials said the competition would help the club evaluate its preparations following a period of rebuilding.
Tonota FC chairman Tumo Toteng reiterated the newly promoted side’s ambition to compete for major honours in its first season in the Botswana Premier League.
Nkana FC, one of Zambia’s most successful clubs, welcomed the invitation, saying its supporters expect the team to compete for victory regardless of whether the fixture is regarded as a friendly.
Township Rollers also pledged long-term support for the initiative and called on their supporters in northern Botswana to attend the tournament.
Growing Fixture
The event brings together four clubs from two countries at a time when teams are fine-tuning preparations for the new season.
Although conceived as a pre-season competition, organisers have also positioned it as a platform to attract visitors to Francistown while creating opportunities for businesses that benefit from increased foot traffic during sporting events.
If the level of support shown during the launch is sustained, the Tati River Pre-Season Tournament could establish itself as a regular fixture on Botswana’s football calendar.