Desperate City Stars dip into the market
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday January 17, 2020 12:10
The team is in position 14, a dreadful relegation spot, after amassing only 11 points from 16 games.
City Stars are level with TAFIC, Extension Gunners and Gilport Lions, as the relegation dog-fight is expected to heighten in the coming weeks. Just a week into the mid-season transfer window, City Stars have already made five signings.
Veteran midfielder, Nelson ‘Nakata’ Moreetsi and Ntesang ‘Mirror’ Simanyana have joined on free transfers. Defender Gaopatwe Sesosenyeng has also joined from Police XI, Odirile ‘Deco’ Kgaodi and former Gaborone United (GU) and Township Rollers winger, Thebe Maiketso are part of the new recruits at ‘Kwena ya Madiba’.
The team’s coach, Wame ‘Pepezino’ Mokoke said he had to turn to experienced players as the team tries to avoid the drop and his new recruits have impressed already.
“Our new players, the likes of Mirror, Shoes, to mention just a few, are combining well with rest of the team and we are working on new combinations,” Mokoke was quoted as saying on the club’s Facebook page. He, however admitted that it would take time for the new players to gel with the rest of the team, but remained optimistic that they will avoid the dreaded axe.
The club has parted ways with captain Monageng Thaele who joined second tier side, Masitaoka. Ofentse Mmipi is now the team’s new captain.
Meanwhile, Zebras’ winger, Thero Setsile has re-signed for Jwaneng Galaxy from TS Galaxy in South Africa after just six months.
Jwaneng Galaxy are said to be courting Mwampule Masule who has been released by Orapa United.
On the other hand, Notwane have completed the loan signing Tshepo Malgas from GU while Tshepo Ramohenngwa returned from a loan stint with Gilport Lions.
The club is negotiating the return of Dirang Moloi with a deal expected to be concluded soon. Miscellaneous have secured a loan deal for young GU attacker Zidane Kofa.
The Reds are said to be chasing the signature of former Miscellaneous winger Orebotse Mongae. The South African is out of contract and currently having a trial with Highlands Park.
Lebogang Ditsele and Benson Mangolo will be leaving for a trial at Stellenbosch FC in South Africa.
League action continues this evening with Systems playing Lions at the Molepolole Sports Complex while bottom-placed Miscellaneous welcome Prisons XI at the Serowe Sports Complex.
On Saturday afternoon, Notwane and GU meet in the Gaborone derby at the National Stadium as Mahalapye Railway Highlanders welcome Morupule Wanderers at the Serowe Sports Complex
Leaders, Orapa United travel down south for a tricky encounter against BDF XI at the Otse Stadium while City Stars visit third-placed, Galaxy at the Galaxy Stadium.
TAFIC and Gunners meet at the Obed Chilume Stadium while on Sunday afternoon Township Rollers host Police XI at the Royal Aria Stadium.
Kick off is at 3.30 pm for the afternoon games while evening games start at 7pm.