It's going to be neck and neck for the Championship

Thuso Palai | Wednesday January 15, 2014 15:36

I had made a call that it will be between BDF XI, Gaborone United, and Mochudi Centre Chiefs, tipping Magosi to win it. This was mainly based on their activity during the transfer window, in which I felt they added more firepower to their already potent side. 

When the League went into recess in December, BDF XI was at the top of the table. Matebele made shrewd signings at the beginning of the season, to add on to the already established names at the club. The team is built around a solid backbone of Takudzwa Ndoro and Ndiapo Letsholathebe at the back, Patrick Motsepe and Boitumelo Mafoko in the midfield and a combination of Mokgathi Mokgathi and Saukani Zulu up front. They have a few prospects and have come to the party and shone through the first half of the season. It remains to be seen whether they can keep up the momentum, especially with the departure of coach Rasta Kgengwenyane who has been replaced with Elijah Chikwanda. They are strong contenders and will have to go through a major slump if they are to miss out on the Championship, or atleast take it to the wire. A couple of big name players have been linked with them this window, which is an indication of their intentions.  

Gaborone United 'aka' Money Machine is also in the mix. The Major David Bright-led side has blown hot and cold, but for the most part; HOT.  The club currently sits in the 4th position. Their major undoing has been inconsistency, as they tend to lose points where least expected. However, with the experience of Major Bright, one can write them off at their own peril. They could make some telling signings in the January window that could propel them towards the Championship. Their participation the Mascom Top 8, and the CAF competitions might affect them, but they will be there and thereabouts. 

Despite a somewhat troubled first half of the season, Mochudi Centre Chiefs are firmly in the mix. They were among my favourites to win the title at the beginning of the season, and it seems I was not way off the mark. With the problems and challenges they have been faced, it shows great character that they are still in the race. Although there are murmurs of a storm at Magosi, on the field the team is always competitive and want to win. Some have misgivings about their coach Drajgo Stanojlovic, but he has ridden the storm. Despite the language barrier, he seems to be getting something out of his players. What has really impressed me with Magosi this season is the introduction of a few unfamiliar names that have since become regulars, among them the likes of Sekgabo Molebatsi and Kereeditse Maphane. Magosi lost one of their most influential players in Talk Talk Motlhabankwe. The team welcomed back their influential talisman Pontsho Moloi 

Of all the teams in the top 4, Township Rollers have surprised me. When the season started, I had written them off. Looking at their performance in the first few games of the season, I feared the worst for Mapalastina.  However, they have made me eat humble pie, and a big one at that.  At the recess, they sat at position two, just a point behind BDFXI. The JagDish Shah bankrolled outfit has great ambitions and want to ring back the glory days. As it is, they are still in with a shout and Madinda Ndlovu's wit and experience when it comes to leading team to Honors will come in handy. The team has a lot of new players, and has, to my surprise gelled in a short period of time. Not always playing 'beautiful' football, they have been able to grind out results, hence their position. 

All the same, it looks like it will go down to the wire this season. I do not see Matebele, Magosi, Popa, or the Money Machine letting up easily. We are in for a cracker of a season.  Unlike some seasons where the winner is almost cut and dry by this stage, this year it's different. It will be neck and neck; and one of these giants that will stand the test of time will be crowned the 2013/2014 beMobile Premier League Champions.