FNB Season II: Who is taking it home?
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 15, 2025 09:58
BDF XI
Coach: Mogomotsi 'Teenage' Mpote Colours: Green and Red Home Grounds: Lobatse Sports Complex and National Stadium Prospect: Once again BDF did not go for high profile signings although it parted with ways with a number of players amongst them Brian Mankanku, Onkemetse Powe and Bonno Sepako. The team has kept the core of their last season's squad. The return of head coach, Mpote, is expected boost the team that finished in their lowest position in the last decade. The team is not expected to challenge for the honours but might make an improvement from the previous campaign and sneak in to the top half. Last Season Finish: 11th Probable Finish: 8th–10th
Black Lions
Coach: Owen da Gama Colours: Black and Gold Home Grounds: Royal Aria Stadium Key Signings: Dumisane Kubane (Chiefs), Ryan Brown, Doctor David (both Galaxy), Kevin Bulala (Sua), Gape Gaogangwe (Gunners) Prospect: This is an exciting new entrant in the local football scene. Financed by former Rollers president, Tendai Sebata and under the tutelage of South Africa veteran coach, Owen da Gama, Black Lions would have many worried of visiting the Royal Aria Stadium this season. The team's performance in the market including the acquisitions of goal scoring Kubane, full back, David and former Young Zebras' goalkeeper, Brown echoes their intent. Last Season Finish: Ninth (as VTM FC) Probable Finish: 8th–10th
Calendar Stars
Coach: Joseph 'Chippa' Mokgacha Colours: Green and White Home Grounds: Francistown Council Stadium, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium Prospect: It will be a difficult debut season for the Dinaledi Tsa Bokone. The club runs on a minimal budget and their travel resilience would be put to test this season. The last time Calendar Stars came down south for a competitive game, they shipped in two goals without a response in the promotional playoffs. There is a bit of hunger and thirst within the squad and that could carry them throughout the campaign. Last Season Finish: Promoted Probable Finish: 13th–15th
Extension Gunners
Coach: Mike Sithole Colours: Black and White Home Ground: Lobatse Sports Complex Key Signings: Galabgwe Moyana, Legend Monyake, Senatla Molefhe, Sylvester Leririma, Katlo Kgati Prospect: After the club resolved their dispute with head coach, Mike Sithole, it is now time for the experienced coach to work his magic in Lobatse. There have been many changes in the squad but signs are Gunners will be battling with experience this season. The arrival of seasoned Premier League players including Moyana, Leririma and Molefhe could be the medicine the doctor prescribed. The Ally Kgomongwe era is slowly finding its feet at the club on and off the field, and Gunners' greatest assert this campaign could be stability, something the club has lacked for a long time now. Last Season Finish: 13th Probable Finish: 10th–12th
Gaborone United
Coach: Dimitar Pantev Colours: Red and White Home Ground: GU Stadium Key Signings: Thomas Chideu (Yadah FC, Zimbabwe), Thato Kebue Kamogelo Moloi, Ivan Kamberipa (all Orapa), Shaun Phillip (TAFIC) Prospect: Things are looking up for the reigning champions, earning a confidence boost with win over cross town rivals, Rollers just a week before the season kicks off. Pantev did not dive deep in the market but raided his former troops at Orapa United. It looks like a window of smart buying at GU judging by the preseason performances. They look like a team ready to defend their title. The Reds will need to manage juggling local competitions and the Champions League early in the season, and that could be a defining moment for the team's season. Last Season Finish: Champions Probable Finish: 1st–3rd
Jwaneng Galaxy
Coach: Sean Connor Colours: Maroon and White Home Ground: Galaxy Stadium Key Signings: Manda Nongo (TAFIC), Jacob Everson (Magesi FC, South Africa), and Roy Omphile and Kgotso Radithongwa (both Young Stars) Prospect: The Galaxy Stars are on a transition after parting ways with some of their key and fringe players departing. However, they tapped into the youth development. The team has signed three players from development and associate clubs, as Nongo from TAFIC is their biggest signing. It is a new dawn under Connor who proved his mettle by taking Matebele FC to the FA Cup semi final. With the quality at Galaxy, Connor's side would be amongst the contenders. The team has kept the core of the squad and is not expected to be affected by the changes, more especially that Connor arrived at the end of last season and enjoyed the preseason with the team. Last Season Finish: 4th Probable Finish: 1st–4th
Matebele FC
Coach: Ikageng Tsatsi (interim) Colours: Purple and White Home Ground: GU Stadium and VTM Stadium Prospect: The loss of Sean Connor will heavily impact the team. He is tied with Elias Chinyemba as the best men to lead the team in the Premier League. In addition, Matebele have parted ways with a 'whole team'. A total 18 of players have left the club for greener pastures whilst Obonye Moswate has hung his boots. The Eagles are under massive reconstruction with a number of new players fed from the development side. It could be a long and hard season for the team. They are yet to appoint a substantive head coach as Ikageng Tsatsi hold the held on the interim. Former South African midfielder, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, has been linked with the team and could be an exciting recruit. Last Season Finish: 12th Probable Finish: 13th–16th
Mochudi Centre Chiefs
Coach: Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi Colours: Black and White Home Ground: National Stadium Key Signings: Gilbert Baruti (Galaxy), Ibroihim Youssouf (African Stars, Namibia), Shanganani Ngada (TAFIC), Sisqo Haraseb (Mighty Gunners, Namibia), Kitso Mpuisang (Morupule Wanderers) Prospect: It will be a dream end to the season if Piro guides the team to their first championship in more than a decade. The club legend was the last captain to lift the league trophy at Chiefs and now in the dugout, he is tasked with ending Chiefs' barren run. There have been more than 10 arrivals at Magosi with each position, with two potential and equally gifted options. Chiefs are surely a team to beat and Magosi faithful would be itching for the first whistle with such euphoria around the team. Last Season Finish: 5th Probable Finish: 1st–4th
Morupule Wanderers
Coach: Agang Pule Mogotsi Colours: Yellow and White Home Ground: Palapye Stadium Key Signings: Thato Rannani (Young Stars), Tawana Mbakile (Sua Flamingoes), Goncalves Domingo Chissele (Okahandja United, Namibia), Dareen Matshuba (Young Stars), and Botshelo Motsheja (Nico United) Prospect: This is a team that made a huge improvement in the last season. Under Mogotsi, the team finished in their highest seventh position and the highest points in their Premier League history as they finished with 42. There is midfield reshape at the team, with the departures on Michael Pillar met by the arrival of Mbakile and Rannani. They had proven to be giant slayers in the previous season and Mogotsi will be aiming to reach much greater heights with the team this season. Last Season Finish: 7th Probable Finish: 5th–8th
Nico United
Coach: Reuben Njavera Chikoti Colours: Green and Yellow Home Ground: Sam Sono Stadium Key Signings: Thabo Wetshoemang, Pako Gaofose (Chiefs), Ototeng Dintwa (Rollers), Ronald Moipolai (VTM FC), and Badisa Mpote (Wanderers) Prospect: There is potentially a good combination between Chikoti and Blessing Moyo in the Baby Jombies dug out. Chikoti has impressed during his short stay in Botswana and with VTM FC while Moyo on the other hand has seen it all in the local league. The Zimbabwean has promoted teams and has a championship win and Champions League experience with Galaxy. The pair will boost the team alongside, the attacking duo of Gaofose and Dintwa. However, Nico are not expected inside the top eight or among the relegation positions. Last Season Finish: 12th Probable Finish: 10th–12th
Orapa United
Coach: Elias Chinyemba Colours: Orange and White Home Ground: Itekeng Stadium Key Signings: Thabo Babusti, Mbatshi Elias (both Rollers), Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi (TAFIC), Leruo Ratala (GU), and Nsunzu Mpinda Otiniel (Blessing FC, DRC) Prospect: The team just managed to sneak into the top half after a poor start to the previous season. The arrival of Chinyemba brings some excitement as the coach missed the championship by a slim margin with TAFIC. Now, at Orapa and with much better resources, the team is set for a much improved season but are not expected to challenge for the honours. Last Season Finish: 8th Probable Finish: 5th–8th
Police XI
Coach: Paradzanyi Madivenga Colours: Maroon and Gold Home Ground: Otse Stadium Prospect: The Jungle Kings are back with Madivenga in charge. The tactician enjoys working with young talent and he is blessed with a squad of blossoming players. Police XI also did not dive deep into the market and relied on the academy ahead of the new season. The team has a huge backing from the leadership of the Botswana Police Service and that could be the difference in the bottom half places. Last Season Finish: Promoted Probable Finish: 12th–14th
Santa Green
Coach: Leutlwetse Tshireletso Colours: Green and White Home Ground: Palapye Stadium Key Signings: Andre Dommingos (Okahanja United, Namibia), Josemar Quiteque (Inter Club, Angola), and Emalenna Ditshenyegelo (Tshikinyega Tigers) Prospect: Nothing much is expected from the Mahalapye-based side but it is a good chance for Tshireletso to prove his mettle as a coach in the Premier League's 16. The Veggies make their debut in the Premier League and went off the country's shores to bring a forward in Dommingos and Quiteque. It seems to be a battle for survival for the next season. Last Season Finish: Promoted Probable Finish: 13th–15th
Sua Flamingoes
Coach: Nikola Kavazovic Colours: Blue and White Home Ground: Sowa Town Council Stadium Key Signings: Segolame Boy (Rollers), Thami Zulu (Chiefs), Boyo Lechaena (Matebele) Prospect: Kavazovic is surely gunning for the league title this season. In his first season at Sua, the Serbian led the team to its highest ever finish in their Premier League history. He has kept the core of his squad and let go players deemed surplus to requirements. The team's impressive home record could be a game changer whilst they would need to manage their away games. Last Season Finish: 4th Probable Finish: 1st–4th
TAFIC
Coach: Mandla Mpofu Colours: Red and White Home Grounds: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium and Francistown Council Stadium Key Signings: Enerst Otu Alex (Shooting Stars, Nigeria), Kleophas Bester Useb (Outjo, Namibia), Tsholofelo Speakson (Morupule Wanderers), and Fortunate Thulare (TAFIC) Prospect: They have proven to be the biggest importers of talent in the local league and once again, TAFIC have gone abroad to fill the gaps left by some of the departed players. There is some excitement around the new pair of Alex and Useb from Nigeria and Namibia. After finishing second in the previous campaign, TAFIC have tasked Mpofu to go a step further but that could prove a tall order. Last Season Finish: 2nd Probable Finish: 4th–8th
Township Rollers
Coach: Srdan Zivojnov Colours: Blue and Yellow Home Grounds: National Stadium and GU Stadium Key Signings: Utlwang Ramakgathi (Matebele), Freeman Molosi (Orapa United), Gape Mosalagae (FC Behar, Kosovo), and Kago Sesinyi (UB Hawks) Prospect: This is the worst transfer window for the Blues. It was expected however, bearing in mind the financial constraints at the club. After one of their poorest campaigns last season, Rollers will once again be expected to be a mile behind the contenders. New coach, Zivojnov believes the team will be ready to contend and the confidence may rub onto the players. However, Popa look like a team that would be battling for a spot in the top half rather than the usual higher places. Last Season Finish: 5th Probable Finish: 5th–8th