In a significant move for Rwandan sports, betPawa, a renowned sports betting company, and FERWABA, the governing body of Rwandan basketball, announced their partnership this past June. This collaboration is already showing promising results, with the introduction of the ‘Locker Room Bonus’ being a standout initiative.
One of the first outcomes of this partnership, the ‘Locker Room Bonus’ isn't just a financial gesture; it's a salute to the dedication and hard work of the players. From the list of 12 players of the game, every winning team player is awarded this bonus, underscoring betPawa's commitment to recognising and uplifting talent.
"It's a huge motivator for us the players, and it empowers us as we play because we know if we win, we'll get a betPawa locker room bonus. And the more games we win, the more bonuses we get," Captain of the REG BBC Team, Shyaka Olivier, said
Since the partnership's inception in June, there's been a palpable buzz in the Rwandan basketball scene. Both betPawa and FERWABA are committed to elevating the sport and ensuring that the players, the heart of the game, are given the recognition they deserve.
"The players are the heart of the game and thus their motivation is one of the biggest factors to the success and sustainability of a team. This bonus is to appreciate our players, motivate them and also to ensure that as a partner to FERWABA, we make our contribution towards the success and longevity of the basketball teams, while at the same time advancing benefits of fintech adoption in sports,” said Ntoudi Mouyelo, MD Mchezo Africa which owns betPawa.
FERWABA's enthusiasm mirrors this sentiment. With this partnership, they aim to further the sport's reach, ensuring that Rwandan basketball continues its upward trajectory.
"The introduction of the Locker Room Bonus is a testament to our dedication to both our players and the growth of basketball in Rwanda. It's a symbol of our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a thriving basketball community,” said Richard Nyirishema, 2nd Vice President of FERWABA.
"By recognising and rewarding the efforts of our athletes, we hope to inspire more young talents to join the game. This initiative is a stepping stone towards our goal of expanding the reach of basketball in Rwanda and ensuring its sustained growth.”
In sports news, this partnership and its ensuing initiatives by Mchezo Africa through betPawa, like the Locker Room Bonus, clearly indicate a brighter future for Rwandan basketball and regional sports alike.
From its headquarters in Kigali, Mchezo is actively investing in the region’s sports with the latest beneficiary being neighbouring Uganda, where a deal with the country’s football governing body FUFA was unveiled yesterday. The Locker Room Bonus will also be rolled out to benefit Uganda’s football players under this deal.