Prisons XI vow to end yo-yo spell after title triumph

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday April 28, 2026 08:01

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Jwaneng Young Stars on the final day, they had already secured the title with a game to spare, underlining their dominance throughout the campaign.

Prisons XI’s title success marks a significant milestone, but their true test comes next season as they seek to finally cement their place among the elite.

Mbikiwa highlighted that their focus has already shifted to life in the Premier League, where they aim not just to compete, but to establish themselves as a permanent fixture.

“You are right, but this time around we are going to sit down with management and map a way forward. We already have something in place, although I cannot reveal it now. What I can say is that we now have the experience,” he said.

“I don’t think we will come back to this division again. We are going there to compete and ensure that we sustain our top-flight status. Everyone wants to play Premier League football and that is our plan. This time we want to stay there.”

The coach attributed the team’s past struggles to poor planning, particularly after promotion, where wholesale changes often disrupted squad stability.

“The reason we have been promoted and then getting relegated immediately was the failure to plan,” he explained.

“Sometimes when teams get promoted, they rush to dismantle the squad and bring in new players, some of whom do not help maintain status. This time we will be cautious and only bring in players who will help us stay up.”

Meanwhile, Jwaneng Young Stars coach, Matshediso Moseki described the season as challenging, citing injuries and player departures as major setbacks.

“This season was tough because we lost key players to injuries and others left for greener pastures. It affected us, but we cannot complain too much. We gave it our best,” he said.

Moseki added that the team is undergoing a rebuilding phase, having integrated several players from regional football structures.

“This is a completely new team. We are building and I am sure next season we will compete strongly,” he said.

With one eye already on the future, Moseki revealed that he had given fringe players an opportunity in the final match as part of preparations for their upcoming Orange FA Cup clash against Jwaneng Galaxy.

“We are already thinking ahead, especially about the FA Cup game against Galaxy. That is why we gave some players a chance,” he said.

The teams:

Young Stars: Thatayaone Basuti, Edward Oletleletswe, Thabiso Lephogole, Kabelo Thomba, (Lesley Radiphofu) Thulaganyo Sebeta, Atlang Lentswe, Junior Mangadi, (Thabo Molefe), Kgotlaetsile Gopolang, (Amo Pelotshweu) Abednico Motshipi, Mmoloki Galetshetse, (Thabo Tshotlo), Mmilili Makwekwe, (Elijah Willie).

Prisons XI: Ontiretse Gaothogwe, (Kagiso Ralekwalo), Thoko Lechaena, Botsile Morotsi, Gilbert Tamokate, Momoploki Samachana, Tabona Ntlogelang, Tshwanelo Mojanaga, Tumo Keiketlile, Moemedi Oathotse, Mokuye Shakambayo, Tebogo Mogotsi

Young Stars 2 (Galetshetse 28th, Pelotshweu 61st) Prisons XI 1(Mogotsi 3rd)