Gilport Lions rebuilding for top flight return
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday November 16, 2018 12:37
The former Premier League side rose to the summit of the log after five games with four wins and a single defeat. They are a point above second-placed Black Peril on 12 points. Lions have bagged eight goals and conceded three; one from open play and two spot kicks.
However, their focus is not an immediate return to the top flight. Club coach, Paradzayi Mandivenga said the lower division is the perfect place to rebuild. He revealed that the intention is to build a culture within the club and a squad that can play together for at least three seasons in the Premier League.
Mandivenga said when they relegated, he lost almost all of his players to the Premier League sides and scouted for and signed young players from division one league (second division). He said the players boast a strong determination.
The long-serving coach who stood with Lions through financial storms said the average age of his current squad is 23 years.
He added that the First Division League is a completely different environment for him and his players, but the squad, he said, is responding satisfactorily. The only senior player who remained when the club relegated from top-flight football is the long-serving member Tumisang Sekanonyane.
“He is marshalling the defence well. He leads the youngsters hence we are stingy with giving away the goals,” he said.
“It is a new atmosphere, the passion of supporters, the grounds and our opponents, so the planning is totally different, but we are coping. The results are coming, the players are working hard, but we are just rebuilding. An immediate return to the Premier League will be a bonus. We want to have a team that can stand the test of time when we return.”
This weekend, the Lions’ credentials will be tested when they host eighth-placed Mogoditshane Fighters at Lekidi Grounds. Like Lions, Fighters have lost only once.
The Mogoditshane outfit that resumed the league on a lower note turned their style with a 2-0 demolition of Mochudi Rovers in week three. Rovers at the time were at the helm of the log. In another mouthwatering encounter, Matebejane will be up against Uniao Flamengo Santos at Mogoditshane Grounds. Blue Stars are home to Red Sparks at Kgaphamadi Primary School. Broadhurst United will take a long trip to Tsabong for a meeting with Black Rangers.
Second-placed Black Peril will battle it out with Mochudi Rovers who are eager to climb back to a respectable position on the log. The last encounter pits Modipane United against Jwaneng Fighters in Modipane.
Down north, leaders TAFIC travel to Mmadinare to meet Real Movers. Impressive Morupule Wanderers, on a third game winning streak host an equally exciting Eleven Angels in Pilikwe. Sua Flamingoes host Nico United while Calendar Stars welcome Motlakase Power Dynamos. Palapye All Stars play Francistown City Greens at Makoro and in Serowe Green Lovers host Great North Tigers.