Dinare keep faith as promotion race goes to the wire
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday April 6, 2026 06:00
The team lost some ground over the past weekend in their chase after losing to Prisons XI in the top-of-the-table clash. “It is not over until it is over; it is a game of football. We still have two games left, and we will see what we can get out of them. Get six points and see if they would drop points. “They are still going to play as well, and it is reality,” said Mmesi following Dinare’s 2-0 defeat to Prisons XI over the weekend.
The result handed the Warders a crucial edge at the summit, as Prisons XI now sit on 45 points after 20 games, three ahead of second-placed Dinare, who have accumulated 42 points with two matches left to play.
With only two rounds remaining, the equation is simple but unforgiving; Prisons XI have control of their own destiny, while Dinare must win and hope for a slip.
If the local football scene has taught anything over the years, it is that promotion races are rarely straightforward.
Prisons XI face a tricky run-in, with back-to-back away fixtures that could test both their legs and resolve. They travel to Mmopane to face fifth-placed Holy Ghost before a far more demanding trip to Jwaneng to take on fourth-placed Jwaneng Young Stars.
The logistics alone are not insignificant, especially the long haul to the mining town, and both opponents are firmly in the top half, with enough quality to disrupt the leaders’ rhythm.
Dinare, on the other hand, will fancy their chances of a perfect finish.
They host Union Flamengo Santos, who sit 10th in the 12-team league and are hovering just above the relegation zone, before making a short trip to Tlokweng to face third-placed Security Systems in what could prove a decisive final-day showdown.
Compared to Prisons’ demanding travel schedule, Dinare’s run-in appears more favourable on paper, but pressure has a way of rewriting scripts.
At stake is not just silverware, but a direct ticket to the elite league. The champions will secure automatic promotion, while the runners-up face a far more uncertain route via a two-legged playoff against First Division North runners-up, Enesia FC.
With Tonota FC already crowned champions in the north, that playoff spot is locked in, waiting for whoever falls short in the south. The league will meanwhile take a breather this weekend due to the Easter holiday break.