Chiefs out to stop the bleed as Orapa test looms
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 21, 2025 08:59
Chiefs come into the match wounded after a 2–0 loss away to pace setters, Jwaneng Galaxy, where Omaatla Kebatho’s first-half brace was the decider. The defeat leaves them still fifth on the log, but now eight points behind the league leaders, whilst Galaxy’s win pushed them to the summit of the standings. The pressure on Chiefs has sharpened, and the timing of this Orapa test could not be more inconvenient.
The assignment does not get any easier. Orapa United arrive with a steadier run; three wins, four draws and three losses so far, navigating the campaign with enough grit to avoid slipping into trouble but not enough punch to trouble the title-chasing pack. In their last five outings, they have won twice, played to a draw on a further two occasions and lost once. This paints a picture of a side awkward to break down and quietly resilient, and could prove to be a tougher assignment for Chiefs.
History adds another layer of complication. Since 2018, the two teams have met four times in league games. Orapa United have won two of those matches, whilst the other two ended in draws. Chiefs, remarkably, have never beaten Orapa United in a league fixture, a psychological weight they cannot ignore as they head into a match they desperately need to win. For Chiefs, this game is not just about points. It is a credibility test and a chance to push back against a narrative threatening to form that their early-season rhythm has deserted them at a critical phase. Magosi have fallen just behind the leading pack after a five-game run that yielded just two wins, lost twice and played to a draw once.
Orapa, meanwhile, will not arrive with fanfare. They come with a clear identity—compact, disciplined and perfectly willing to grind. With a defensive structure that has kept them afloat even when their scoring has stuttered, they are likely to absorb pressure and punch on transition. Their favourable head-to-head record only reinforces their confidence. They have proved to have a leaky defence, conceding six goals in the run, whilst they have found the back of the net on five occasions. It is a delicate balance as Chiefs walk into the weekend under scrutiny, carrying a frustration that could either sharpen their edge or drain it. Orapa come in with less baggage, knowing structure and patience have always served them well in this fixture.
In other games, Gaborone United welcome TAFIC at the GU Stadium at 7pm today. Tomorrow, Sua Flamingoes are home to Galaxy in an exciting clash to be played at the Sowa Town Council Stadium. The Palapye Stadium hosts Santa Green against Matebele Football Club (FC) whilst Botswana Defence Force XI (BDF XI) and Extension Gunners face off at the VTM Arena. Nico United face Morupule Wanderers at the Sam Sono Stadium. On Sunday afternoon, Calendar Stars and Black Lions face off at the Francistown Council Stadium, whilst Police XI hosts Township Rollers at the VTM Arena. All the afternoon games kick off at 4pm.