FNB Premiership on a knife-edge
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday January 30, 2026 12:23
Fifteen matches into the 2025–2026 FNB Premiership season, the table standings tell a story of pressure at the top, congestion in the middle, and desperation at the bottom. The title race is tighter than last season, with the hunt for individual honours is fierce, and clubs that were flying high just months ago are now fighting to stay afloat as the league has turned into a weekly survival.
Nico puts heavyweights under pressure
Unlike last season, when the frontrunners gradually broke away, this campaign has developed into a packed sprint. Gaborone United (GU) have been the early pace-setters, and have yet to lose a match this season. The Reds have mastered the art of collecting points even when not at their fluent best, as evidenced last weekend in the Gaborone Derby win over cross town rivals Township Rollers. But Jwaneng Galaxy are glued to their heels. The former champions have shown composure, experience, and cutting edge, refusing to loosen their grip at the summit. But on the final matchday of the first round, Galaxy dropped points to allow GU to open a five-point buffer with 15 more games to play.
Crashing the title party are Nico United, who have transformed from last season’s mid-table side into genuine contenders. Their organisation and hunger have made them one of the most difficult teams to beat. Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Sua Flamingoes, and the sometimes inconsistent and embattled Township Rollers remain close enough to strike, turning the race for the top four into a traffic jam.
Where last season stretched out, this campaign is squeezing in, but it is set to be a two-horse race between GU and Galaxy.
Sesinyi leads the golden boot charge
Just when the league thought the crown had changed hands, Thabang Sesinyi is back at the summit. The Jwaneng Galaxy striker tops the scoring charts with 11 goals, reminding defenders why he dominated the Golden Boot race for three straight seasons before missing out last term. With over 100 Premier League goals to his name, Sesinyi continues to define consistency in front of goal. Chasing him is GU’s Thatayaone Kgamanyane with eight goals, despite an injury-hit first round. A proven finisher and two-time Golden Boot winner, Kgamanyane was gathering momentum before being sidelined again, but he is expected on the pitch after resuming light training. His teammate, Thabo Maponda, has chipped in with seven goals, whilst Tefo Mofokeng had impressed with six goals for Chiefs before injury ended his season prematurely.
Keepers steal the spotlight
Defensive discipline has been just as important as attacking flair. Leading the golden glove race is Chiefs’ Keeagile Kgosipula with nine clean sheets in 15 matches, forming the backbone of Chiefs’ strong first round. Close behind are Goitseone Phoko of Galaxy and Thabo Motswagole of GU, both on seven clean sheets after overcoming early injury setbacks.
The standout story is Ryan Brown of Black Lions, who has managed six clean sheets despite his team’s struggles. The former Young Zebras goalkeeper has enjoyed more consistent game time than ever before and has often kept Lions competitive. Veteran Kabelo Dambe of Rollers follows with five clean sheets, continuing to offer leadership at the back, despite his struggles to compete for the starting spot with the youthful Karamelo Kgosipula and Bophelo Kealeboga.
Last season, contenders in trouble
The biggest contrast from last season is unfolding at the bottom of the table. TAFIC, who enjoyed a superb campaign last term, now find themselves dragged into the relegation scrap, struggling to rediscover their rhythm. Extension Gunners are rooted to the foot of the standings after a disastrous first round, whilst rookies Calendar Stars are also fighting for survival.
Matebele FC, who showed promise last season, hover nervously just above the danger zone. Unlike last season, when the survival fight only intensified late on, this year’s battle has begun early, and it is already unforgiving.
Dugout pressure builds
The technical areas have not been spared. Sean Connor has sharpened Jwaneng Galaxy, keeping the champions firmly in the title hunt. On the other hand, Reneilwe 'Yeye' Letsholonyane has endured a difficult start at Matebele FC, learning the harsh realities of top-flight coaching. Serbian Srdan Zivojnov is finding his feet at Lions after an impressive spell with Rollers, whilst Spanish coach Miguel Corral Torreira is having his first taste of local football. Oarabile Seabo, on the other hand, is facing the pressure of leading Rollers. Khalid Niyonzima is inching closer to his first league title as a GU head coach, but still has a long second round to play while at Orapa United. Elias Chinyemba is struggling to replicate the form he had with TAFIC last season.