Prisons XI make early inroads
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday October 15, 2025 06:00
The Warders came from a goal down and overpowered their opponents 3-1 as the team seeks a return to the FNB Premiership. The win saw Prisons XI nestle amongst the early pacesetters, with 10 points from five games played.
Title favourites, Dinare sit atop with 13 points as an exciting title chase is in store for the fans.
Perennial challengers, Jwaneng Young Fighters and Notwane occupy position two and three respectively, with Prisons XI sitting fourth.
On Saturday, Taung Young Strikers' unbeaten run faced a stern test and in windy conditions, the clean record was blown away. Prisons XI played with purpose and did not allow Young Strikers time on the ball.
They moved the ball with precision, but it was the hosts who took the lead against the run of play through Gorata Mabego.
With Young Strikers hoping to take their lead to the break, Prisons XI pressed on and levelled matters minutes before the break when Mokuye Shakambayo fired low into the right corner.
The second half saw Prisons XI press the accelerator further and their persistence was rewarded with goals from Thoko Lechaena and Tebogo Mogotsi.
Young Strikers forwards appeared to have left their scoring boots at home in a match that was watched by Zebras legends, Joel Mogorosi and Mompati Thuma.
Prisons XI coach, Ernest Dintweng said the victory was crucial to ensure his side stays within touching distance of the leaders.
'We had chances in the first half but we did not utilise them, we conceded an easy goal but we immediately responded. This is what we want from our players. This league is interesting especially at the top. If we let other teams go, we will be in trouble,' Dintweng said.
'We doing our level best to ensure that we win the league or at least go for the promotion play-offs,' he added.
Prisons XI first choice goalkeeper, Bakang Methole suffered a head injury leading to a lengthy stoppage, before he was ferried to hospital.
Young Strikers coach, Jerry Moitse admitted they faced a better opponent on the day.
'It was a very tough game for us, the boys did not come to the party. We tried everything but it was not our day for us. We take defeat and move on,' he said.
'We started at a low pace and they couldn't gel well in the first 15 minutes. Prisons XI also denied spaces and blocked our usual play and we failed to respond. It was a bad day for us. We cannot complain much about the wind,' Moitse added.
The teams:
Taung Young Fighters: Opelo Motsamai, Boikobo Kebafadile, Boago Silitshena, Emmanuel Ramoswete, Thapelo Ramakono, Mpho Ramagonono, Lefika Mapitse, Gorata Mabego, Ketshapaone Tlhowe, Buang Dithebe, Koketso Mokgathitswane
Substitutes
Lesego Kooreng, Setso Lekang, Letlhogonolo Nganunu, Montshie Reabetswe, Lefika Raphalane, Jackson Sesike, Loagi Junior Mongadi, Otsile Lebakeng, Joseph Sibanda
Prisons IX: Bakang Methole, Tshwanelo Mojanaga, Kutlwano Sentsho, Thoko Lechaena, Kebatshabile Monthe, Botsile Morotsi, Tumo Keiketlile, Mokuye Shakambayo, Pako Osupile, Moemedi Oatlhotse, Letsile Montsho
Substitutes Arold Ntlogelang, Morapedi Kengaletswe, Kabo Nthoiwa, Tebogo Mogotsi, Leslie Ramaphane, Wame Marembe, Gilbert Tamokate, Wame Marembe, Ogomoditse Sebetela