Debswana First Division North reaches final stretch
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday December 13, 2019 12:29
Second round kick-start with the reverse of last weekend fixtures. Sephondo Se A Debola as Tonota FC is affectionately called by its hordes of supporters, welcome Flamingoes at Tonota Primary School Grounds this Saturday following the latter’s fresh 7-1 baptism of fire.
Flamingoes are five points clear at the summit of the league. They widened their lead when Eleven Angels faltered 3-1 to Great North Tigers. Nico United also took advantage and leapfrogged Angels into second.
Flamingoes, however, have been dominant in the league since taking control of the summit of the log table five weeks ago. They remain the only side not to have tasted defeat in the first round with four draws and seven wins.
Rapeleng ‘Raizor’ Tsatsilebe’s led outfit has been superior in all quarters of the league. It is apparent the former Under-23 national team coach has assembled a squad set to deliver the elusive promotion to the premiership.
Tsatsilebe is at the mercy of the best defensive lines in the league, having conceded five goals, a less number of goals against than all their opponents. They have also been offensive with 20 goals scored in the first round.
“We have to be grounded; the finish line is still too far. We can enjoy moments that comes with matches, but we remain completely focused on our mandate; that is gaining promotion,” Tsatsilebe said, noting they would not expect anything on a silver platter in the second round.
Nico, who dominated the opening five weeks of the season, have climbed a spot higher into the coattails of Flamingoes. They have not had the best of runs recently with one win in the past six games. Majombolo have drawn five games in total and lost once. Four of the draws were registered in the past five matches.
The former premiership giant would be looking to build into their 3-1 win against struggling Francistown City Greens last week. The two sides meet in the reverse fixture at the Francistown City Council Stadium.
The battle, however, remains open with the wounded Eleven Angels aiming to avenge the loss to crosstown rivals Great North Tigers. Angels had maintained a solid chase behind Flamingoes for the better of the first round.
Fourth-placed Calendar Stars, seven points adrift of log leaders have sent an unequivocal statement in the past six matches. They have registered two draws and four wins. The second best run from leaders in the past six matches. Stars are on a long trip to Maun Terrors.
In others, the heat is unbearable at the foot of the table where former giants Motlakase Power Dynamos, Great North Tigers, Green Lovers and City Greens are involved in a survival tussle.
Motlakase got a relief last weekend when they claimed the scalp of Sankoyo Bush Bucks in Maun. The Palapye Club will be looking to make inroads into the middle of the table when the two meet again at BIUST grounds here.
Green Lovers face a difficult task against rookies Santa Green that is also sitting precariously at the bottom.
The duo played to a 2-2 stalemate midweek. It would be an interesting second-round battle as the giants’ tussle for a lifeline with rookies at the bottom.