52 finalists make it into the Dinaledi academy programme
Absa Bank Botswana in partnership with Dinaledi Football Academy has proudly concluded the first phase of the nationwide Absa Soccer Talent Search initiative, marking a major milestone in the bank’s commitment to youth development, inclusion, and nation-building through sport.
What began as a bold vision has become a powerful national movement, one filled with talent, discipline, hope, and opportunity. Guided by Absa’s brand promise, “Your Story Matters,” the initiative travelled across Botswana, reaching young footballers from Palapye, Francistown, Maun, Molepolole, Lobatse, and Gaborone. On every pitch and in every community, Absa through Dinaledi Football Academy encountered young people whose dreams stretched far beyond the boundaries of the fields they played on.
Over the past few months, the talent search has delivered meaningful impact across the country. The programme scouted hundreds of young players nationwide, reached communities that rarely have access to elite football scouting, and identified exceptional football talent in the Under-13 and Under-15 age groups.
Beyond football skill, the selection process focused on character, discipline, teamwork, coachability, and academic commitmentnreflecting Absa’s belief in holistic talent development.
The programme scouted hundreds of young players nationwide, reached communities that rarely have access to elite football scouting, and identified exceptional football talent in the Under-13 and Under-15 age groups.
From these 205 promising players emerged from across, and 52 outstanding young talents were selected as finalists over the past weekend and will now be absorbed into the Dinaledi Football Academy development programme. Of these, 25 are in the under-13 age group, while 27 fall under the under-15 category.
Commenting on the initiative, Absa Bank Botswana’s PR,Media and Stakeholder Manager, Spencer Moreri said, through the P1.5 million three year investment partnership, Absa is deliberately investing in people, in possibility, and in the future of Botswana.
He further highlighted that, “this initiative was never just about identifying the next star player but also about creating pathways where none existed,balancing sport with education, empowering young people with life skills and using sport as a vehicle for economic inclusion and social cohesion.”
Football, he said, when structured properly, can be an engine for job creation, youth employment, and international exposure and Absa bank is proud to play a role in unlocking that potential.
Looking ahead, Moreri added , “through this partnership, we are committed to continuous talent development and mentorship;supporting academic progression alongside football training; creating pathways to professional clubs, scholarships, and international opportunities and; strengthening the football development ecosystem in Botswana.”
As Absa bank, he said it is in their vision to see young Batswana footballers competing confidently on regional, continental, and global stages while also becoming responsible citizens, leaders, and role models.
