This morning Debswana Diamond Company handed over to Botswana Football Association branding equipment and first aid kits. This sponsorship package is part of Debswana’s efforts to enhance the ongoing sponsorship of the National First Division League.

Speaking at the handing over, Debswana’s Head of Cooperate Affairs, Racheal Mothibatsela thanked the BFA National Executive Committee for having given them the opportunity to partner with them once again towards the advancement of football in this country.

“Debswana prides itself with the development of football in Botswana. Football is a source of entertainment and national pride for Batswana, and the world at large,” she said.

Mothibatsela said for Batswana to enjoy the absolute best this sport has to offer; the players’ welfare must be the number one priority at all times. All facilities and amenities associated with the sport must be availed. To this end, first aid equipment is a pre-requisite to the sport. 

“It is a major cause of concern for us, to witness and hear of cases where injured players in the League were attended to in an unsafe manner on the pitch. As a responsible corporate citizen, Debswana saw it both fitting and necessary to do its bit towards the welfare of players and integrity of the league,” lamented Mothibatsela.

This is also consistent with Debswana values, where workplace safety is a preeminent priority.

Mothibatsela said that Debswana believes the donation of the first aid equipment will go a long way in addressing the safety concerns observed in the First Division league. The sponsorship package presented is worth P202 000, which includes 24 first aid boxes containing all the necessary contents – including dressing and other critical components to allow for players to receive first aid treatment. Debswana will also deliver 24 stretchers for the teams in the National First Division to ensure that players are carried off the pitch in a safe manner. In addition, all national First Division teams will be provided with first aid training.

For their part, the first division representative Mbenzeni Sam Ndawo warmly welcomed the development from Debswana stating that this was moving football towards good standards and ensuring that First Division can be ready for the arrival of club licensing in the 2018/2019 season.