Whistle blows to signal dusty fights
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday November 20, 2021 06:00
This Saturday, the first of the 22 DFDS rounds will be played. The weekend will host the first six matches of the 132 encounters to be played for a single automatic qualification position to the elite league while a second-place finish guarantees a pass to the playoff games. It promises to be a very tight affair and the teams had more time to prepare for the first whistle to the campaign.
The Black Forest grounds will be the focus of the opening DFDS opening weekend as Forest welcome fallen giants, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. It is a clash between two former Premier League campaigners and both are tipped to be contenders for the title this season.
The pair have been involved in a series of friendly games since the lifting of a ban on competitive sport. Magosi had their plans disrupted following the departure of coach Itumeleng 'Tumie' Duiker who has been replaced by Zimbabwean tactician, Elias Chinyemba. Chinyemba makes a return as he was with the team in the last campaign. Defender Arnold Mampori has also returned to the club after a season with Township Rollers. Another former Rollers' man in Remmington Masuku has also joined the club alongside Khumoetsile Kufigwa while veteran Tshepo 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe has come out of retirement to join the team as Magosi looks to blend the youth and old.
It is a strategy that seems to work in the second tier, as Magosi’s weekend opponents have also looked up to the top tier to boost their squad. Record Premier League goalscorer, Terrence Mandaza has joined the club.
He joins former Zebras’ players Ontse Ntesa and Michael James who were signed from Magosi and BDF XI respectively. Magoleng has been boosted by the arrival of wing back, Khumoetsile Bogale whilst the leadership of long-serving skipper, Mogomotsi Kerebotswe could be vital for Reetsang Letlole’s troops ahead of the new season. Both teams bit the dust in the 2018/2019 season and will be playing their third consecutive season in the First Division and would not want to make it fourth, so a good start from tomorrow will be important to build momentum for the remaining 21 games.
In the other games on the opening weekend, newcomers, Matebele FC will taste the second-tier football against yet another former elite league side Uniao Flamengo Santos at the Lekidi Grounds.
Red Sparks take on Matebejana at the Red Sparks grounds while Mabutsane Primary School grounds will host a fight for three points between Motaung Young Fighters and Taung Young Strikers. Holy Ghost will welcome Tlokweng United at the Holy Ghost grounds as Broadhurst United visit Mochudi Rovers in their backyard. All the games will be played on Saturday afternoon and kick-off is at 4pm.