Sunbet sponsors Township Rollers and Gaborone United
Sponsorship provides crucial stability, enabling investments in player development, infrastructure and a competitive edge for the upcoming season.
Botswana.- Sunbet Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to local sports development with a P2.5 million (€159,873) sponsorship package for two of the country’s biggest football rivals, Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU), ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The deal, unveiled at a ceremony on August 2 at the Avani Hotel in Gaborone, aids the betting company’s growing influence amongst local sports fans while bringing together two clubs renowned for their fierce Gaborone Derby encounters.
Under the agreement, Township Rollers will receive P1.5 million ($95,924), with Sunbet’s logo displayed on the front of the team’s jerseys, while Gaborone United gets P1 million (€63,949), featuring the branding on sleeves. The initiative ties into Sunbet’s “Real Football” campaign, emphasising community engagement and safe betting practices amid the industry’s expansion in Africa.
Prior to the deal, both clubs faced financial pressures. Township Rollers had been without a main sponsor since April, following the withdrawal of previous backer Sebata Holdings, which left gaps in funding for salaries, operations and player support.
Gaborone United, gearing up for the CAF Champions League, also sought partnerships to bolster resources amid rising costs in the Premier League. This sponsorship provides crucial stability, enabling investments in player development, infrastructure and competitive edge for the season ahead.
Club officials welcomed the support. Dr. Bafana Pheto, Township Rollers Chairman, said: “We are at a time where we don’t have any main sponsor, and Sunbet managed to secure that prime space in our shirt. Our relationship with GU is very cordial outside the field of play, though we are rivals in the field.”
Gaborone United Director Nicholas Zakhem praised Sunbet for uniting the city’s pride despite the rivalry, while Tsholofelo Makgoeng, Sunbet Country Manager, added: “These two teams are big brands in the Premier League and we want to celebrate football with them. This is a partnership with the people of Botswana.”
To mark the partnership, Sunbet hosted the inaugural Charity Cup on August 9 at Gaborone United Stadium, where GU claimed victory over Rollers before 4,000 fans, with all proceeds benefiting local causes.
As clubs across Botswana grapple with limited funding, Sunbet’s involvement highlights how betting firms can responsibly aid sports growth, potentially inspiring further investments and elevating the league’s profile. With the season underway, this unique partnership promises brighter prospects for Rollers and United on and off the pitch.
