Jubilant Matebele join ‘Big Boys’ league
Staff Writer | Monday May 15, 2023 16:00
In the end, Matebele rose above everyone else to clinch the title and gain automatic promotion to the Botswana Premier League (BPL).
Keorapetse Ramakgathi’s solitary strike handed Matebele a 1-0 win over their Kgatleng rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs on Saturday and ensured that they finish the season at the summit of the league table.
Ahead of the Saturday match, Matebele were sitting at position two on the log with the same number of points as then leaders, CRACKiT City Polar. Only goal difference separated the two sides at the top.
Both sides needed victories to seal the top two spots but City Polar failed to get past Matebejana on Saturday and handed the league title to Matebele. The latter will make their maiden appearance in the elite league next season. Led by Zimbabwean gaffer, Elias Chinyemba, Matebele have been one of the favourites since the first round started last year.
Chinyemba also previously helped TAFIC get promotion to the Premier League before they parted ways with him. Out of 22 games, they won 13, drew five and lost four. They collected a total of 44 points. Meanwhile, VTM FC finished second with 43 points and have booked a play-off spot where they will face Chadibe FC. Chadibe finished second in the northern zone.
UR Black Forest have managed to survive the dreaded axe despite going down 2-0 to Notwane on Saturday, thanks to a superior goal difference. Both Black Forest and Matebejana ended the season on 26 points.
The league promises to be a cracker next season after the relegation of Extension Gunners and Mogoditshane Fighters. They join fellow sleeping giants, Chiefs and Notwane who have since failed to gain promotion to the Premier League this season.