Basketball players excited with betPawa's Locker Room Bonus

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian basketball players have expressed joy over the Locker Room Bonus payouts introduced by betPawa, the main sponsors of the National Basketball League (NBL).

Through the Locker Room Bonus, 12 players and four team officials receive each a payout of Sh140, 000 immediately after a match victory.

The payments are made directly to their mobile accounts before they even leave the court.

In the tournament that concluded last week, Dar City from Dar es Salaam claimed the men's championship, while Fox Divas from Mara won the women's title. Each team was awarded Sh2.8 million.

This marks the first time in the tournament's history, held at Chinangali courts in Dodoma, that teams have received such substantial prizes, following a one-year sponsorship agreement between betPawa and the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF).

Aside from the top prizes, betPawa also rewarded the runners-up. The men's team ABC and the women's team DB Lioness each received Sh 1.4 million.

Additionally, individual players were recognized for their outstanding performances.

The players are Guibert Nijimbere of Dar City was named the Best Male Player, and Michele Fotshing Sokoudjou of Fox Divas won the Best Female Player award, each receiving Sh700,000.

"Our main goal is to inspire players, teams, and officials, which is why we partnered with TBF," said Nassoro Mungaya who is betPawa's East Africa Marketing Officer.

"Through the Locker Room Bonus, we rewarded players and officials for their efforts, creating more competition and motivation within the league."

"This partnership between betPawa and TBF has shown how players and teams can directly benefit," Mungaya added.

 Khadija Karambo, a player for Vijana Queens, shared her excitement about the initiative: "This is the first time in history we've seen a sponsorship package that directly benefits players. It has motivated us to put in extra effort to win games."

In addition to Tanzania, betPawa has introduced similar rewards in other African countries and sports, including football in Uganda (FUFA Drum, Futsal) and basketball in Uganda (FUBA) and Ghana.

"This program has made the league more competitive, encouraging teams to perform at their best. Players now have something tangible to fight for, even if they don’t win the championship. Every game victory gives them a reward to help meet their needs," said Jescal Julius Ngisase, captain of JKT Stars. For his part, Fox Divas coach, Barick Martin Kilimba, noted:

"The Locker Room Bonus has fulfilled a long-standing dream for basketball players. The transparency and support from betPawa have brought immense joy to players and coaches. This sponsorship has enhanced competition and encouraged players to raise their game."

Full list of winners and prizes

 Men's Champion: Dar City - Sh2, 800,000

 Men's Runner-up: ABC - Sh1,400,000

 Men's Third Place: UDSM Outsiders - Sh700, 000

 Women's Champion: Fox Divas -Sh2, 800,000

 Women's Runner-up: DB Lioness - Sh1, 400,000

 Women's Third Place: JKT Stars - Sh700, 000

Individual Awards:

 Men's MVP: Guibert Nijimbere (Dar City) - Sh700, 000

 Men's Top Scorer: J’shin Brownlee (Dar City - Sh420, 000

 Men's Best Defender: Elias Nshishi (ABC) - Sh280, 000

 Men's Best Young Player: Yekonia Mpambaje (ABC) - Sh280, 000

 Women's MVP: Michele Sokoudjou (Fox Divas) - Sh700, 000

 Women's Top Scorer: Michele Sokoudjou (Fox Divas) - Sh420, 000

 Women's Best Defender: Taudensia Oloch (DB Lioness) - Sh280, 000

 Women's Best Young Player: Asia Naata (Orkeeswa) - Sh280, 000