The verdict in three sentences
A five-a-side or futsal complex in Dakar lives and dies by its occupancy rate: every empty 90-minute slot is lost revenue that never returns. Without a shared online agenda, you double-book, forget and suffer no-shows. A real-time booking app with a deposit raises occupancy by 20 to 35 % for a 2026 build of 800,000 to 1,600,000 FCFA.
Front-desk notebook vs real-time booking app
The paper notebook at the counter sees only one pitch at a time, doesn't update remotely and collects nothing. Here's the contrast.
| Criterion | Front-desk notebook | Real-time booking app |
|---|---|---|
| Availability visibility | Counter only | Online 24/7 |
| Double booking | Frequent | Impossible |
| Occupancy rate | Reference | +20 to 35 % |
| Deposit | Rarely taken | 30 to 50 % automated |
| No-show | 30 to 45 % | 14 to 20 % |
| Off-hours booking | Impossible | Any time |
| Multi-pitch | Hard to track | Unified view |
| Player reminder | None | Automatic D-1 |
Live availability is decisive: team captains book in the evening, when the counter is closed — without an app, that slot goes to a competitor.
Pricing, deposit and profitability: 2026 figures
| Indicator | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Custom app build | 800,000 to 1,600,000 FCFA |
| Monthly SaaS | 7,000 to 16,000 FCFA/month |
| 60 to 90 min slot | 15,000 to 30,000 FCFA |
| Deposit requested | 30 to 50 % |
| No-show drop | ~55 % |
| Occupancy lift | +20 to 35 % |
| Slots/day/pitch | 8 to 12 |
| Delivery time | 4 to 6 weeks |
2026 order of magnitude: on a pitch billed at 25,000 FCFA per slot, recovering 2 slots/day through better occupancy means 1,500,000 FCFA/month of extra revenue.
Mini case study
Cheikh, who runs a 2-pitch complex in Dakar, offers 10 slots/day/pitch at 25,000 FCFA — 20 slots/day. At 65 % occupancy, he sells 13 slots/day = 325,000 FCFA/day. With the app and deposit, he rises to 85 % occupancy (17 slots) = 425,000 FCFA/day, i.e. +100,000 FCFA/day. Over 26 days, +2,600,000 FCFA/month. His app at 1,200,000 FCFA pays back in under three weeks.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Does the deposit discourage players?
No, the opposite: a 30 to 50 % deposit makes the captain accountable and kills "just in case" bookings. No-shows drop by about 55 %.
Can it handle several pitches and types (football, futsal, basketball)?
Yes, the app gives a unified multi-pitch view with distinct durations and prices. A 60 to 90 min slot is billed 15,000 to 30,000 FCFA depending on the pitch.
How do clients use live availability?
They see free slots in real time, choose, pay the deposit via Wave/Orange Money and get a confirmation. No more "it's already taken".
How long to deliver?
Between 4 and 6 weeks for a complex, including a multi-pitch calendar, deposit and automatic D-1 reminders.
Can we offer subscriptions for regular teams?
Yes: a team playing every Tuesday can book a recurring slot at a preferential rate. This secures occupancy during off-peak hours.
Let's talk about your project. We deliver your real-time pitch booking app with a deposit in 4 to 6 weeks. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
