Red carpet or trapdoor? Premiership’s brutal final act begins
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 2, 2026 06:00
At the summit, champions Gaborone United (GU) have one hand on the trophy after a defining win over second-placed Jwaneng Galaxy, but the chasing pack still believes there is a twist left. At the other end, six clubs are dangling over the trapdoor, separated by fine margins and fragile hope, knowing one bad run could end their top-flight stay, writes KABELO BORANABI (blurb)
Title race
Gaborone United GU look best placed to retain their crown, and their run-in appears favourable. The Reds will travel north of Dibete only twice in their remaining fixtures, with Francistown the furthest destination when they face TAFIC. The rest of their away assignments are largely within reach of their Gaborone base, easing the travel burden for Sean Connor’s side.
They are also scheduled to face mostly lower-half opposition, with only rivals Township Rollers, unpredictable Morupule Wanderers, Orapa United and in-form Mochudi Centre Chiefs currently sitting in the top eight. Importantly, GU have been boosted by the return from injury of talisman Mpho Kgaswane and Thatayaone Kgamanyane, both featuring in the crucial 1-0 win over Galaxy. Maintaining a clean bill of health could prove decisive in their title defence.
Last 10 GU games: Gunners (H), Rollers (H), Matebele (A), Morupule (H), Black Lions (A), Orapa (H), TAFIC (A), Chiefs (A), Calendar Stars (H), and BDF XI (H)
Jwaneng Galaxy Galaxy’s biggest opponent in the run-in might not be on the pitch but on the road. Based in the mining town of Jwaneng, the team faces punishing travel demands, with trips to Gaborone and Selebi-Phikwe amongst the longest. Head coach, Dimitar Pantev, has already raised concerns about the toll of travelling over 1,300 kilometres in the final stretch, excluding return journeys.
Galaxy must also cope with the pressure of chasing. They surrendered the title to GU in the final two games last season with the Reds under Pantev, and history threatens to repeat itself. Defensive injuries have further complicated their task, making squad fitness crucial if they are to stay in contention.
Last 10 Galaxy games: BDF XI (A), Chiefs (A), Calendar Stars (H), Nico United (A), Santa Green (H), Police XI (A), Sua Flamingoes (H), Matebele (H), Morupule (A), and Rollers (A)
Mochudi Centre Chiefs Chiefs are the outsiders refusing to go away. While coach Miguel Corral Torreira insists this is a rebuilding season, results suggest otherwise.
Magosi sit seven points behind GU and four behind Galaxy, having enjoyed a resurgence under the Spanish mentor. They remain unbeaten in six games under Torreira, collecting five wins and a draw to climb into third position. Torreira admits the team is still adapting to his methods, but has prioritised results over aesthetics. Crucially, Chiefs still have to face both GU and Galaxy, giving them the opportunity to influence the destination of the title directly. With depth and quality in their squad, Chiefs cannot be dismissed.
Last 10 Chiefs games: TAFIC (H), Galaxy (H), Rollers (A), Matebele (H), Morupule (A), Black Lions (H), Orapa (A), GU(H), BDF XI (A), and Gunners (A)
Relegation battle
Police XI Police XI’s struggle has been defined by a lack of goals. The Jungle Kings have scored just nine times in 20 games, the lowest return in the league. Despite this, they have drawn eight matches, showing resilience even if victories have been scarce.
Defensively, they remain competitive, conceding only 18 goals, the fifth-best defensive record in the league. That solidity could be their lifeline, but turning draws into wins will be essential as they sit five points from safety.
Last 10 games: Matebele (H), Nico (A), Santa Green (H), BDF XI (A), Sua (A), Galaxy (H), Rollers (A), Black Lions (H), Orapa (A), and Morupule (H)
Black Lions Black Lions have exceeded expectations in their debut season. After failing to win their opening five matches, they have gradually found their footing. Their commitment to youth has paid dividends, helping them move out of the relegation zone. With improving form and growing belief, survival now looks achievable.
Last 10 games: Nico (A), Orapa (A), TAFIC (H), Gunners (A), GU (H), Chiefs (A), Calendar Stars (H), Police (A), Sua (A), and Santa Green (H)
Santa Green Santa Green’s survival hopes were fading before the arrival of mentor Phillimon Makwengwe sparked a revival. Under his guidance, the team has registered two wins, three draws and two defeats in seven matches. However, they remain just one point above the drop zone and must maintain momentum to secure safety.
Last 10 games: Morupule (H), BDF (A), Police (A), Sua (H), Galaxy (A), Rollers (H), Matebele (A), Orapa (H), TAFIC (A), and Black Lions (H)
TAFIC TAFIC’s struggles reflect the consequences of losing key players before the season and changing coaches midway through the campaign. With only three wins and one of the lowest goal returns in the league, they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
Last 10 games: Chiefs (A), Morupule (H), Black Lions (A), Orapa (H), BDF (H), Gunners (A), GU (A), Nico (A), Santa Green (H), and Calendar Stars (H)
Calendar Stars Calendar Stars were always likely to face difficulties in their first top-flight campaign. Despite having a competitive squad, they have found the Premiership unforgiving and have managed just three wins so far. Turning their fortunes around at this stage will require a dramatic improvement.
Last 10 games: Orapa (H), Sua (H), Galaxy (A), Rollers (H), Matebele (A), Morupule (H), Black Lions (A), Gunners (H), GU (A), TAFIC (A)
Extension Gunners Extension Gunners’ season has been plagued by instability. Administrative changes, the departure of investor Chief Ally Kgomongwe and three coaching changes have disrupted progress.
Their hopes now rest on new coach Paradzayi Madivenga, renowned for rescuing struggling teams. However, this may be his toughest assignment yet, with Gunners having won just twice all season. Despite their predicament, their experienced squad offers a glimmer of hope in the fight for survival.
Last 10 games: GU (A), Matebele (H), Morupule (A), Black Lions (H), Orapa (A), TAFIC (A), BDF XI (H), Calendar Stars (A), Nico (H), and Chiefs (H)