Lessons from Premiership�s opening four weeks
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday September 4, 2015 12:08
Premiership unpredictable
As much as anything is possible in football, the past four weeks have produced shocking but interesting performances and results. While many expected both Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs to dominate right from the start, it has not been the case. Both have won just two games out of four despite boasting big name players in their squads. On the other hand, the likes of Miscellaneous and Green Lovers have performed way beyond expectations thus far. Gunners have also been exceptional although not everyone gave them a chance. As the action resumes in the middle of next week, more surprise results seem to be on the way.
Pio Paul silences critics
Being a local coach and be given a chance to head some of the big guns in the league has not always been an easy task. Paul, like other local coaches was announced as a head coach at Extension Gunners and there were doubts as to whether he has the credentials to lead a big team like Gunners with success. He showed glimpses of tactical prowess in the Kabelano Charity Cup semi final against Rollers though he ended up on the losing side. Four matches into the season, Paul has registered a 100 percent record. He has made critical acquisitions to bolster his squad and is so far enjoying the fruits although he admits there is still a lot to do.
BPL delivers on their promise
Although a lot has to be done as far as the running of the league is concerned, the Botswana Premier League have so far showed signs of improvement. During the BPL general assembly, chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi said they are unleashing a monster this season. Some of the innovations that are already bearing fruits are that of keeping tabs and records of each and every booking taking place and informing the clubs, media and other stakeholders about cautions. This is a huge improvement on their part following protests that nearly ruined what would have been an exciting past season. There are still issues of games being moved but mainly because of things that have nothing to do with the BPL but with the owners of the stadia.
Goal scoring
boots on display
In just four weeks, a total of 96 goals have been scored in the league. Gunners, Police XI, Miscellaneous, Chiefs and Green Lovers have each scored nine goals. The race for the top goal scorer award has kicked off in high speed. Tebogo Sembowa, Moatlhodi Ralesotla and former green boot winner, Patrick Kaunda are already setting the pace.
Same old Nico, FC Satmos
Selebi-Phikwe sides, Nico United and FC Satmos seem not to have learnt anything from last season. The two sides continue to struggle early on in the season. Nico managed to pick points towards the end of last season and avoided relegation but missed out on this year’s top eight. FC Satmos had to go through a play-off to avoid relegation. The two sides are early candidates for the relegation battle once again.