Entertaining ties lined up on Ash Wednesday
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday March 2, 2022 14:17
Basically, Ash Wednesday reminds the Catholic community of its primary purpose, which is serving the Most High power. And today, across local stadia, Botswana Premier League (BPL) teams will hope to fulfil their purposes.
The principles however contrast from challenging for the championship, avoiding relegation and also securing the most sought-after top eight spots as the league enters the last 10 games stretch.
The game of interest this afternoon is at the Royal Aria Stadium where second-placed, Township Rollers and BDF XI, who sit seventh, meet. Popa are now four points behind log leaders, Gaborone United (GU) following the Reds’ 2-0 win over Extension Gunners last night. The Blues have now played the same number of games as GU and will need maximum points this evening to stay closer to their title rivals. After tonight’s game, Rollers will have played a game more than their rivals hence they could not afford any slip-up.
A 10-game unbeaten streak is a morale boost for the Blues and presents them as the favourite for this evening’s contest. However, Matebele have proved to be Popa’s hoodoo side. In the first round, the men from the Mogoditshane army barracks bagged maximum points. BDF XI is however having a poor run of results.
The team has won once in the last five games scoring just three goals in the process. It appears to be a tricky encounter for both sides with Rollers chasing the leaders while Matebele’s top eight ambitions are under threat. At the VTM arena, Gilport Lions will aim for Masitaoka's scalp. Lions’ relegation battle rivals Mogoditshane Fighters have gone four points safe after a 2-1 win over 15th placed Notwane on Tuesday. A win for the Gillies will take them a point behind Fighters to heat the survival battle.
Majatlhaga on the other hand are eight points behind the top eight bracket despite the team having a good start to the campaign. Holders, Jwaneng Galaxy return to league football after CAF Champions League assignments over the three weeks.
The team visits Morupule Wanderers at the Sam Sono Stadium. Fifth-placed Galaxy is mathematically in the contest as they have played three games less while they are 16 points behind leaders, GU. A win for Wanderers will move the team two points within the top eight. Bottom placed Mahalapye Railway Highlanders welcome Prisons XI at the Serowe Sports Complex.
Highlanders know any point will come in handy against opponents of their weight while Prisons XI know that they are not entirely clear of the relegation spots. Security Systems and Sua Flamingoes will conclude today’s programme at 7pm at the Lobatse Sports Complex, whilst the rest of the games will kick off at 4pm.