Battle of gaffers as First Division kicks off
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 12, 2025 10:32
The league kicks off tomorrow with two mouth-watering encounters that feature four former Premier League sides. Currently, the league houses five ex-elite league sides in Union Flamengo Santos, Notwane, Security Systems, Prisons XI and Holy Ghost.
Young Stars also previously qualified for the Premier League football although they sold their status before kicking a ball. Interestingly, the league is currently decorated with highly recognised coaches locally.
At Motsholathebe ground tomorrow, football fans will witness a tactical battle between David ‘Lefty’ Bothasitse and Phillimon Makwengwe as Systems host Holy Ghost.
Systems have managed to keep faith in Bothasitse whilst Makwengwe leads Holy Ghost. Although they failed to retain their Premier League status last season, Bothasitse led Systems to a very good run in the Orange FA Cup where they lost in the final against Jwaneng Galaxy.
Following their relegation, Bothasitse maintained that they could have survived if they had not lost some of their key players. He had also said they were not able to make significant signings thus working with a thin squad.
Holy Ghost on the other hand started on a lower note last season and at some point during the first round, they looked like a relegation candidate.
However, towards the middle of the season, they roped in Makwengwe who once again delivered his magic to save the team.
Tomorrow’s encounter will most probably be won from the technical bench with Makwengwe assisted by Goitseone Mompati whilst Bothasitse will be flanked by John Molefinyane and Gomolemo Ramaabya.
At Gabane United ground, Santos will battle Prisons XI in what is also expected to be a thrilling encounter.
Santos are currently led by former defender, Thabo Mothibi whilst Kaelo ‘Digger’ Montwedi has been given the mandate to take Prisons XI back to the elite league.
Ambitious Ramotswa-based side, Dinare FC, kick-start their campaign with a long trip to Matsha College to take on newcomers, Tsetseng United.
Operating under Magosi FC name last season, Dinare have this campaign made significant signings which include Mogakolodi Ngele.
They have also roped in former Township Rollers coach, Tomas Trucha to lead the project.
Joel Mogorosi is one of Trucha’s assistant coaches. Tsetseng on the other hand are still a closed book to most of their opponents and will be hoping to use Matsha College as their hunting ground. They will be led by Katlego Merule.
Notwane, under the tutelage of Daniel 'Chicco' Nare, will travel to Majweng ground to face Majweng United, who are under the leadership of former Mochudi Centre Chiefs midfielder, Zachariah Mudzadzi who is assisted by Monageng Thaele. Thamaga Shooting Stars (TSS), who bought City Polar’s status, will make their debut against Jwaneng Young Stars at the TSS ground.
Young Stars are still under the tutelage of Matshidiso Moseki whilst Shooting Stars have roped in Nelson Olebile as the head coach.
In the other match, Taung Young Strikers will host Tlokweng United at Lekidi West ground. All the matches kick off at 3:30pm.