Dark horses set pace in the south
Larona Makhaiza | Friday January 27, 2023 13:27
CrackiT City Polar are the new kids on the block after the recent takeover by the education and training service provider.
After nine games, City Polar are leaders with 21 points, three ahead of second placed Matebele. Mochudi Centre Chiefs, who are amongst the favourites, are within striking distance as they lie third, four points behind the leaders.
City Polar is yet to taste defeat and only dropped points on three occasions. They have shown their resilience against the top sides as they did not lose to teams like Chiefs.
There was disturbing news around the ownership of major sponsor, City Polar when it emerged that there were issues around franchising which had led to a split. But City Polar director, Moemedi Senwelo has allayed any fears. “Parting ways with our franchises doesn’t affect finances in any way because they were not contributing towards the team, and this won’t affect our run in the campaign,” he said this week. Matebele are also having a dream campaign and will look to better the fourth place finish from last season.
The Elias Chinyemba coached side has drawn three games like City Polar but the only difference, which separates the two, is that Matebele have tasted defeat once. The two sides will hope to continue with their momentum and take it into the weekend clashes as the league race reaches round 10. City Polar travel to Tsabong for a clash against Black Rangers at Tsabong VDC ground. Matebele face Young Stars, a side that will go into the clash oozing with confidence after defeating Broadhurst United 6-0 midweek.
The clash, which takes place at Matebele's The Nest, will reveal if Young Stars shake up Matebele’s exquisite run in the campaign. VTM FC that held Chiefs to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday, play Matebejana at the VTM Arena while Black Forest and Tlokweng United lock horns at the Black Forest Arena. Flamengo Santos welcome Notwane at the Gabane United grounds and Broadhurst United will host Mochudi Centre Chiefs at SSG grounds. Up north, there is a familiar face at the top as TAFIC lead the First Division North standings, ahead of surprise package, Mbalakalungu. Since their relegation, TAFIC have been struggling to return to the top flight, but this time around there is optimism the pride of the north might make a comeback. TAFIC have accumulated 20 points from nine matches played and they have drawn twice and lost once.
Mbalakalungu sit just one point behind TAFIC as they make waves in their debut season. On Saturday, TAFIC face third-placed Motlakase at the Oris Radipotsane Stadium in Pilikwe, while Mbalakalungu will be on the road to face Chadibe. In other fixtures, BR Highlanders will be up against Miscellaneous at Railways grounds, Sankoyo Bush Bucks play Green Lovers at the Maun Sports Complex. Peacemakers welcome Calendar Stars at Samabaje grounds and Santa Green entertain Rolling Guys at Pekenene JSS.