Thin chances as Calendar Stars run out of days
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday April 14, 2026 10:52
The team's head coach, Joseph Mokgacha did not dress it up after yet another damaging defeat over the weekend, saying the chances are now “very thin.”
The Saturday afternoon’s 1-0 loss to Morupule Wanderers at the Francistown City Council Stadium felt less like a setback and more like a closing chapter in a season that has refused to turn in Stars’ favour.
The result drags them deeper into the relegation mire, with time and goals proving to be their biggest enemies.
On paper, survival remains possible but in reality, Stars are a side gasping for air. Despite holding a game in hand over their direct rivals, they sit four points adrift of safety.
More concerning is their blunt edge in front of goal just two goals in their last five matches. Against Wanderers, Stars showed urgency, but little incision.
Playing at home, Stars struggled to impose themselves in the final third, their attacking moves often rushed, their decision-making clouded by the weight of their situation.
It was a performance that mirrored their campaign plenty of effort, but painfully short on cutting edge.
At the break, the contest remained goalless, offering a glimmer of hope for the hosts. Wanderers, more composed and purposeful, eventually found their breakthrough on the hour mark.
Julius Likontsane reacted quickest after the Stars goalkeeper spilled a free-kick, pouncing on the rebound to silence the home crowd.
The visitors could have extended their lead, having enjoyed the better of the exchanges, but wastefulness in front of goal kept Stars within touching distance.
Speaking after the match, Mokgacha admitted the psychological burden of relegation is beginning to show on his players.
“I think given the situation we are in we can be nervous. When you are in relegation (zone) you sometimes fear that teams may catch you, when you go high because most of the time we are playing on the break.
“This is why I am saying we wanted in a manner such that we control the game by getting an early goal, which did not come hence the result we are getting today 1-0,” he said.
But even as the walls close in, the Stars bench is not ready to concede defeat just yet.
“Mathematically, yes (we can survive) but now with the way we are performing and the way things are coming out, it is a very thin chance. But we are hopeful with five remaining games anything is possible,” added Mokgacha.
The teams:
Calendar Stars: Emmanuel Keiditswe, Gofaone Moeti, Tlotlo Mogapi, Nicholas Batlang, Lucky Simon, Andrea Mkandawire, Tlhompho Mokganedi, Foda Omphile, Modise Mbise, Mogomotsi ‘Sbenyenye’ Madome, Dickson Alufai
Wanderers: Thabo Masule, Botshelo Motsheja, Ronald Tsimele, Tshepang Boithatelo, Thato Mosweunyana, Baboloki Makhura, Kelvin Ndebele, Kealeboga Oitsile, Julius Likontsane, Obonwe Maome, Bonang Theetso
Calendar 0 Wanderers 1 (Likontsane 60th)