Lions roar towards respectable position
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 7, 2025 12:06
Established in 2024, the team has now navigated the first third of the 30-game season, learning quickly that life in the Premiership is a jungle. The side’s season started on a rocky note with three consecutive defeats at the paws of seasoned competitors Sua Flamingoes, Jwaneng Galaxy and Township Rollers.
then Black Lions finally roared onto the scoreboard with a 1-0 triumph over Matebele, before a 3-1 loss to Morupule Wanderers left them with just three points from the opening 15.
The pride, however, found its stride in a four-game unbeaten streak, including a standout 1-0 away victory over last season’s runners-up, TAFIC.
The streak showed glimpses of the team’s potential, as their mix of young talent and experienced campaigners began to gel.
The reigning champions, Gaborone United, eventually halted their streak over the past weekend, leaving Black Lions perched just outside the top half on 10th with 11 points.
Their record of three wins, two draws and five losses, tied them for the second-most defeats in the league.
Team head coach, Owen Da Gama, believes the start is fair given the circumstances. He highlighted they had only two weeks to prepare the team before the season started.
“So, without a solid base and solid pieces of foundation, it is always difficult. The FIFA break (in October) helped us a little bit because now we do not give the boys time off, and we worked hard, and it helped us; we got a few wins and draws,” said Da Gama.
“What was expected was that we would not get relegated; in the first season in the Premier League, you do not need to be relegated. That was the initial target, but I think we are sound and professional enough to get a better position in the league.”
The veteran South African coach pointed to 'schoolboy errors' as the main culprit behind their latest defeat, noting that the squad, a blend of seasoned players and young talent, needs reinforcement in the January transfer window.
The technical team has already identified key areas to strengthen, and Da Gama is optimistic that the mid-season window could provide the squad with the boost necessary to climb higher up the table.
The Black Lions will be hunting their fourth win of the season this evening when they take on Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the GU Stadium.
Elsewhere on Saturday, TAFIC host Extension Gunners at the Francistown Council Stadium, whilst Morupule Wanderers and Calendar Stars clash at the Palapye Stadium.
Sua Flamingoes welcome BDF XI to Sowa Council Stadium as GU visits Orapa United at Iketeng Stadium, and Jwaneng Galaxy host Police XI at the Galaxy Stadium.
The GU Stadium also hosts a double-header with Matebele FC taking on Nico United at 4pm, followed by Township Rollers versus Santa Green at 7pm.