Premier League preview Part III
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday September 23, 2016 15:52
Club: Sankoyo Bush Bucks
Established: 1996
Position last season: 12
Players to watch: Modiredi Matengu
Home colours: Green
Away colours: White
Home ground: Maun Stadium
Coach: Gadimang Tiiso
The Maun-based side has been struggling financially in the past two seasons which saw them lose several key players while failing to attract other capable players. However, they have managed to stay afloat. They should be encouraged by the return of former captain, Modiredi Matengu who recently rejoined them on loan from Township Rollers. They have signed Andrew Shadrack from Gaborone United and two other players from Maun Tigers.
Club: Gilport Lions
Position last season: 10
Players to watch: Patrick Kaunda, Kenanao Kgetholetsile
Home colours: Orange
Away Colours: Orange and black
Home ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Paradzayi Mandivenga
Like Jwaneng Galaxy, Gilport Lions look set to cause a few upsets if their squad for the coming season is anything to go by. They finished in position 10 last season, but have signed prominent names in local football amongst them Topo Piet, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile and Patrick Kaunda. They look scary in attack with Piet, Ofentse Mmipi, Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Patrick Kaunda all capable of destroying any defence in the league. They have set a top four finish as their target this coming season, but look capable of even winning silverware.
Club: Green Lovers
Established: 2007
Position last season: 13
Players to watch: Samuel Phiri
Home colours: Green and white
Away Colours: Green and white
Home ground: Serowe Sports Complex
Coach: Onthusitse Kootswele
Despite a relatively good start in their maiden season, Green Lovers found the going tough in the second round of the league campaign. They lost their leading goalscorer at the time, Moatlhodi Ralesotla to Gaborone United (GU). They avoided relegation by a whisker, finishing the league just three points away from the danger zone. They have decided against signing big name players again for the coming season, probably because of their limited budget. The only notable new comers are Samuel Phiri and Malvin Chipunza (both from Miscellaneous). The rest are either from their development side or lower divisions.
Club: Security Systems
Established: 2007
Position last season: Runners up (First Division South)
Players to watch: Mgcini Sibanda
Home colours: Red and black
Away Colours: White
Home ground: N/Stadium/Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Thaloba Nthaga
Two years after they were denied the opportunity to make a debut in the Premier League, Security Systems are back in the elite league. Not only have they been busy playing friendly games every weekend, they have also managed to beef up their team with seasoned campaigners. Amongst them is Zimbabwean midfielder, Mgcini Sibanda who was surprisingly released by Orapa United after helping them win the Mascom Top 8. A top eight finish will be a great achievement in their first season in the elite league.
Club: Black Forest
Established: 1998
Position last season: Champions (First Division South)
Players to watch: Mogomotsi Kerebotswe, Itumeleng Selapa
Home colours: Green
Away Colours: White
Home ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Raizer Tsatsilebe
For a couple of seasons, Black Forest looked promising to qualify for top-flight football but always choked at the last hurdle. Last season they set the pace and controlled it until the end, gaining automatic promotion led by captain, Mogomotsi Kerebotswe. The latter has been the pillar in Black Forest’s midfield and is expected to once again play a pivotal role this coming season. He already has Premier League experience after his stint with Township Rollers seasons back. They have added another experience in former Under-23 goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa.
Club: Mahalapye Hotspurs
Established: 1967
Position last season: Champions (First Division North)
Home colours: Maroon
Away Colours: White
Home ground: Serowe Sports Complex
Coach: Candy Tsheboeng
Hotspurs are making a return to the Premier League where they last played in 1995.
They have quiet a number of experienced players in their team amongst them former ECCO City Greens’ duo, Trinity Nko and Mandlaenkosi Sibanda. They already face a challenge of having to travel every game because there is no suitable facility in Mahalapye for Premier League matches.