Jungle Kings edge closer to Premier League return

Larona Makhaiza | Tuesday May 27, 2025 14:42

Head coach, Paradzayi Mandivenga believes it is all done and dusted after beating Notwane 3-0 this past weekend.

Following the emphatic win over Notwane, Mandivenga revealed told Sport Monitor that the league is already theirs. “I am very happy with this result. I think we are champions of this First Division; so I am glad with everything that happened today,” he said.

The tactician further stated that even if people believe that miraculous things can happen, nothing will ruin their chances of automatic promotion. He highlighted that favour is on their side and the statistics can back that up.

“This is a wrap and mathematically yes there is a game to go but realistically i don't think we can go and lose to Holy Ghost probably by 19 goals because we have got a superior goal difference. So we cannot lose by that much and even our chasers cannot win by that score,” he boldly said.

Turning the clock ahead to the 2025/ 26 season, Mandivenga said their return to the Premier League will not be just to add numbers this time around but compete.

“This time I don't think we are going to add numbers, we are going to compete and if we can keep this team and probably beef it up with experience, we can go and compete,” he said.

The Jungle Kings had to create their own luck in what was a high stakes game for them after being reduced to 10 men in the first half with Tshephang Molefe sent off for an early shower.

On the stroke of halftime, moments after the red card, Police XI salvaged a goal through Lethabo Ogotseng’s powerful strike outside the box leaving Notwane’s keeper flat footed. The two sides went to the break with the advantage on Jungle Kings side.

Police XI did not play like a team with 10 men and continued to search for more goals to cement their lead in the second half. Just past the hour mark, Ogotseng got his brace following a one-on-one chance with Notwane’s keeper and he easily composed himself to round the keeper and tap into an empty net.

The Jungle Kings did not put their foot off the pedal but continued launching successive attacks at Notwane.

With three minutes to go in regular time, substitute Vincent Lekorwe put the final nail on the coffin. Lekorwe cut in from the left flank and put it past Notwane’s goalkeeper.

Notwane’s head coach, Daniel Nare, on the other end stated that it is disappointing result for them especially after failing to capitalize on their numeral advantage.

“Disappointing result more so that the goals all came after they had gotten the red card but luck was not on our side We just have to take the result and move on to the next game,” he said.

The teams:

Police XI: Tshomarelo More, Christopher Kasolo, Lone Taele, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Fortune Tuelo, Kebareng Baikisi, Tshephang Molefe, Jackie Tapologo, Karabo Kelathilwe (Lucas Motlopi), Takudzwa Bande (Kennedy Nkatlholang), Lethabo Ogotseng (Vincent Lekorwe).

Notwane: Basimanebotlhe Moilwa, Mphoyamodimo Keiponye, Andrew Makopo, Kamogelo Kahsiwa, Thabang Ofithile, Tumelo Thebe, Kabelano Mooketsane, Botsetswe Othusegile, Donald Botshoma, Tlotlo Kgosimore, Bokamoso Moncho.

Police XI 3 (Ogotseng 42nd, 67th), (Lekorwe 87th) Notwane 0