Hard work begins for Calendar Stars
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday June 23, 2025 06:00
Calendar Stars booked their spot in the Premier League last weekend after a 3-2 aggregate win over Jwaneng Young Stars in the promotional playoffs. The Francistown-based side had won the home tie 3-0 a fortnight ago but had to weather the storm as they lost 2-0 in Jwaneng to sail through via a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory. Calendar Stars, an unlikely promotion contender at the start of the season, finished second to Santa Green to qualify for the promotional playoffs spot. The club from the streets of Coloured location in Francistown, was not counted amongst the contenders in a First Division North League that included former Premier League sides, BR Highlanders, Motlakase, Eleven Angels, and a pumped up Tsabotlhe FC. Despite a slow start, Calendar Stars made the best recovery in the second round of the league.
The team kept eight clean sheets in the last eight games as they ascended to second spot, where a cluster of contenders had congregated. 'Naletsana Tsa Bokone' as the team is affectionately called, finished just seven points from the automatic promotional spot and four points ahead of third-placed, Tsabotlhe FC. It is a campaign to remember for Calendar Stars as they finished with the second most tally of wins at 10 in 22 games whilst they lost only three games, which was the lowest in the league. The team also went on to keep the most clean sheets as they finished with the lowest goals conceded at just 10 in 22 rounds. It was only the team's sixth shot at promotion from the First Division North League. Despite their minority status, the team has been a mid-table contender in the second-tier league with their highest finish being a fifth place in the 2023-2024 season. In their debut season, Calendar Stars finished seventh, before a moving up a place to sixth in the following season.
The team's performances dipped in the 2021-2022 season when they finished ninth but recovered to another seventh place finish the following season. Calendar Stars are now amongst the 16 big boys assembly. Speaking to MmegiSport following their promotion, head coach, Joseph Mokgacha showered credits to the players, technical staff, management, and the fans as he said it is a victory for Coloured location, the city of Francistown and the pride of northern football. 'I want to believe that there is a lot of work to be done as we go to the Premier League. In regards to resources, in regards to playing personnel, and now it is up to the management,' said Mokgacha.
He added the team intends to avoid the drop in their first season in the top flight as they join neighbours, TAFIC as the two Francistown representatives in the Premier League.