betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus (LRB) initiative is transforming the African sports scene by delivering immediate financial rewards to players and technical crew who make the matchday squad. Launched in 2022 in Ghana, this innovative programme has gained traction across sub-Saharan Africa, redefining sports sponsorship by putting athletes at the centre of reward systems.
Ntoudi Mouyelo, Managing Director of Mchezo, which owns the betPawa brand, emphasised the initiative’s transformative impact during an interview on News Central TV. “The idea behind the Locker Room Bonus is to recognise the effort and hard work of those making our lives shine when we watch games,” he explained. Unlike traditional sponsorship models, which prioritise federations, the LRB ensures that players receive direct rewards through mobile wallets immediately after matches.
The LRB has already boosted morale in competitions such as the Ghana Premier League and the Women’s FA Cup. During the recent Round of 16 matches in the Women’s FA Cup, every winning player and three members of the technical crew received 400 Cedis on the pitch. “For us, equality is key,” said Mouyelo. “Men and women receive the same bonus, whether in Ghana or Rwanda. It’s about creating fairness and excitement in sports.”
The programme also encourages professionalism. “For the bonus to happen, games must be on time, and federations must provide squad lists promptly. Accountability is a big part of this,” Mouyelo noted. Partner federations also benefit from a “partner fee,” but only if they meet specific criteria, further incentivising operational excellence.
Since its inception, the LRB has grown rapidly. From one competition in 2022, it expanded to six in 2023, and by 2024/2025, it is expected to cover over 16 competitions across football and basketball in countries such as Uganda and Rwanda. Mouyelo highlighted that the programme’s success often prompts sceptical teams to join after witnessing its impact. “In Ghana’s women’s league, some teams delayed providing squad lists until others confirmed receiving bonuses right on the pitch.”
Despite its success in several African nations, the LRB is yet to launch in Nigeria. Mouyelo extended an open invitation to Nigerian sports federations, including the NPFL and NWFL, to join the initiative. “It’s quite simple,” he said. “The leagues just need to approach us and express their interest. The players are ready, and the framework is already proven to work.”
As one of Africa’s fastest-growing online betting platforms, betPawa prides itself on fostering community development. In Ghana, the company has supported local clubs with equipment and donations. The platform also maintains a strict stance on responsible gaming by verifying user ages through mobile money systems and providing support for players at risk of addiction.
“Responsible gaming is key for us,” Mouyelo stressed. “We ensure underage users cannot access our platform and offer counselling to those who need help.”
betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus is more than a financial reward; it is a step towards a fairer and more professional sports ecosystem in Africa. With its proven success, Mouyelo called on more federations to embrace the initiative. “Talk to your leagues, meet our conditions, and let’s make African sports even better,” he urged.
