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 The secretary of the league committee, Setete Phuthego told Mmegi Sport that they are planning something big for the first day of the competition, formerly known as the Super League. “If things go according to plan, we think of inviting all stakeholders concerned,” he said. He added that his committee would reveal all the details in the coming week. “We’re very optimistic and at the moment, we’re talking to the National Executive Committee (NEC),” he said. When the new season kick-offs on November 5, Lobatse Extension Gunners travel to Gaborone to renew their rivalry with newly promoted Township Rollers. The game is expected to start at 6pm and will be preceded by speeches. “We’ve planned this game because we’re confident that it will attract a huge attendance,” Phuthego said. Big names in football are expected to be in attendance to spice up the evening. Vice President and BFA patron, Ian Khama is among some of the dignitaries the Premier League committee is said to be considering to invite.
The ever-confident Phuthego said that the onus is on them as the committee to ensure that all things run smoothly. “Maybe on Monday, we’ll start rallying for support at the opening game through the media,” he said. He asserted that for the Premier League to run smoothly, they need an office from where they will communicate with all the stakeholders with ease. “We’ve spoken to NEC and surely they’ll address that. Rest assured the league is going to be run smoothly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rollers-Gunners clash is expected to produce fireworks. Both teams are said to be looking for players to reinforce their squads before the registration closing date on Sunday. The transfer window is expected to re-open on January 1 till January 31. Though they have not bought many new players, Gunners are expected to sign Donald Mopako from Centre Chiefs today. Gunners’ coach Daniel Nare promised that they would be ready by the time of the clash. “Most eyes will be on us but we won’t disappoint,” said Nare. He pointed out that though they were financially constrained, his team would by Sunday have registered at least four players.
Another encounter, which is expected to attract more spectators is the November 6 duel between Mochudi Centre Chiefs and their hoodoo side, Notwane at the National Stadium. Chiefs publicity officer, Ratsela Molefe told Mmegi Sport that by Sunday, they will have signed at least six players. It is alleged that Chiefs might get three Notwane players Dirang Moloi, Botshelo Mogotsi and Kitso Kowa on loan until the end of the season. Mogotsi and Kowa spent sometime with Magosi last season and had mixed fortunes. Moloi is said to be unhappy at Notwane, hence he has opted to leave the club that has made him. Magosi are expected to hold on to their winger Thebe Maiketso who was once linked to Gunners, Police XI and BMC. But on paper, Toronto still remain the favourites to brush aside their opponents who will surely be still trying to experiment with different formations.
Another interesting encounter billed for November 6 will be between on-form ECCO City Green and Tasc. The two sides have confronted each other in a number of tournaments this year and ECCO City are favourites to beat their city rivals. With the possibility of losing creative midfielder Tebogo Mothusi before Sunday, Tasc might find the going tough in the coming season.
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