Premiership’s cream slowly rising to the top
Staff Writer | Friday October 31, 2025 12:02
Sua Flamingoes are at the summit, but their stay at the top is under threat from the chasing pack, particularly from an ominous-looking Gaborone United side. GU is playing catch-up after a campaign disrupted by participation in the CAF Champions League, where they could not clear the first hurdle. The Reds narrowly lost 2-1 to Tanzania over the two legs as GU left its mark despite the early exit. The defending champions' elimination appears to have fuelled their anger, and it is local opponents who are feeling the wrath. Since their return from their African sojourn, GU have been emphatic, brushing aside leaders, Flamingoes 3-1 in a statement win, before a similar victory over Matebele over the weekend. In midweek, the defending champions scored another important victory on the road, a 2-1 triumph over Morupule Wanderers, reminding rivals of the huge task ahead.
GU's good run of form has installed them as early favourites as they sit fifth with 13 points, but crucially, having played three games less than Flamingoes, who are on 18 points. The only surprise package at the top of the table is Selebi-Phikwe-based side Nico United, with Majombolo among the early pacesetters. Nico are third with 16 points, the same as Mochudi Centre Chiefs, who are second due to a better goal difference. Majombolo have started the season brightly and are amongst only four sides that remain unbeaten. The others are Chiefs, GU and Jwaneng Galaxy. Township Rollers, looking to settle after the off-the-pitch upheavals, are fourth as they recorded their first defeat of the season, going down to Chiefs in Francistown on Saturday. Galaxy are sixth whilst Orapa are seventh, and Wanderers complete the top eight, in what is a heavy-hitting top-half of the log. Rookies, Black Lions, have not fared badly, with the team in ninth, whilst Santa Green, also making their debut, are in 10th place. At the tail end, it is not looking good for newcomers, Calendar Stars, who are already anchoring the table eight games into the season. Stars are the only team still searching for a first win of the season, and signs are that the team is destined for a quick return to the lower league. Mike Sithole's Extension Gunners occupy one of the three relegation spots, with Matebele taking the other at position 15.
TAFIC are in unfamiliar territory after their mazy run, which saw them finish second last season. Undipe Ndi Kupe are 12th and have already made managerial changes with Mandla Mpofu making way for Blessing Moyo in the dugout. This weekend, Nico and Rollers clash at the Sam Sono Stadium whilst Wanderers face Chiefs on Saturday in the pick of the round action. In other matches, Santa Green and Galaxy play at the GU Stadium, whilst Gunners and Orapa confront each other at the Lobatse Sports Complex today. BDF XI and TAFIC are at the VTM Arena tomorrow, whilst Police XI and Flamingoes will be at the Lobatse Sports Complex. Both games kick off at 4pm. On Sunday, Calendar Stars are up against the log leaders, Matebele, whilst GU play Black Lions at the GU Stadium, with the two games also kicking off at 4pm.