Foreign strikers elbowed in top goalscorers' race
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday March 19, 2022 06:00
Just over a decade ago, Zimbabwean striker, Terrence Mandaza took the local league by storm. The former Township Rollers’ striker bagged a record 31 league goals in the 2009-2010 season. A season earlier, fellow Zimbabwean, Master Masitara had struck the net 27 times for Nico United, a record at the time. The duo followed the footsteps of terrific foreign strikers that include Zambian Joseph Chikoti, while not so long ago, another Zambian, Patrick Kaunda was the league's top goal scorer in the colours of FC Satmos.
In this campaign, Zebras’ selectors have been given a healthy headache as sons of the soils are in contention for the coveted award. GU’s Thatayaone Kgamanyane and company have elbowed their foreign counterparts, who are yet to reach double figures this season. ‘Messi’ leads the race with 15 goals. The striker’s header against Security Systems last weekend ensured that he returns to the top of the charts.
He had a good start only to stall at the start of the second round of league games due to an injury. His confidence is back as he now has two goals in the last three games. Just a goal less than Kgamanyane is Jwaneng Galaxy’s Thabang Sesinyi with 14 goals. The striker had a slow start but has since found his scoring boots. On his elite league debut season, Extension Gunners’ Kabelo Babusi is a shock contender with 13 goals alongside his teammate, Odirile Lekoba who has 11 goals thus far.
He is tied with Thero Setsile whilst Norman Mabaya has 10 goals. However, all the leading strikers faced a drought in the previous round of league games as only Kgamanyane managed to increase his tally. However, Sua Flamingoes’ Tendai Nyumasi and Mcebisi Moyo are not far off with eight and six goals respectively. While Notwane hitman, Joseph Pyele and Namibian, Ambrosius Amseb will feel, had they arrived in Botswana much earlier, the story would have been different, as they have six and three goals respectively. They joined midseason. The league action continues this evening with Rollers taking on Masitaoka at the National Stadium at 7pm. Police XI and BDF XI square off at the Otse Stadium tomorrow at 3.30pm as Sua Flamingoes welcome Extension Gunners at Sowa Town Stadium.
Lobatse Sports Complex will host a doubleheader as Gilport Lions and Orapa United face off at 3.30pm while Security Systems take on Morupule Wanderers in a late 7pm kick-off. On Sunday afternoon, log leaders GU take on Prisons XI at the Lobatse Sports Complex while Notwane and MR Highlanders will round up the weekend in a 5pm kick-off.