The Mascom Top 8, Botswana's most prestigious knockout competition, is set to return after a six-year hiatus. The competition, once the jewel in the crown of Botswana's domestic game, had slipped into the shadows but is now back with a new sponsor, African Hero. According to Idah Moinisi, acting CEO of the Botswana Football League, the revival represents the return of a prestigious national property and the restoration of a proud football tradition.
The competition will feature eight top teams from Botswana's domestic league, including Township Rollers, Gaborone United, Orapa United, and Jwaneng Galaxy. These teams will compete for a prize of P1.5 million, which can be won by winning just three matches. The runners-up will receive P750,000, while the semi-finalists will pocket P200,000 each. Even teams that lose in the first round will receive a consolation prize of P100,000.
The competition will also recognize individual brilliance, with the Player of the Tournament set to receive P50,000. The Coach of the Tournament, Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and Young Player of the Tournament will also receive prizes. Additionally, the Referee, Assistant Referee, and Supporter of the Tournament will each receive P15,000. The prizes are part of African Hero's effort to make the competition more attractive and rewarding for teams and individuals.
The field for the competition features a mix of experienced teams that have dominated Botswana's domestic game in the past. Township Rollers, Gaborone United, Orapa United, and Jwaneng Galaxy have between them won eight of the nine titles ever contested. However, the competition also offers an opportunity for new teams to make a name for themselves and challenge the established order.
The competition is set to kick off on October 23, 2026, with several high-profile matches. Gaborone United will open their account against Nico United in the capital, while Sua Flamingoes will host Orapa United on home soil. One of the most anticipated matches pits two-time champions Jwaneng Galaxy against Township Rollers, a heavyweight collision that promises to be an exciting encounter.
The competition has attracted several partners, including Botswana Telecommunications, Umbro, and Botswana Television. Cresta Lodge will provide accommodation for teams, while the Botswana National Sports Commission has also thrown its support behind the event. The partners are lending the tournament its polish and ensuring that it is a success.
The return of the Mascom Top 8 competition is a significant boost to Botswana's football scene, which has been without its most prestigious knockout competition for six years. The competition promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience for teams and individuals, with a significant prize fund and recognition for individual brilliance.
Key points
- The competition offers a prize of P1.5 million for the winner.
- The competition features eight top teams from Botswana's domestic league.
- The competition recognizes individual brilliance with several prizes.
