Game on as league kicks-off
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 17, 2018 12:27
BDF XI
Nickname: Matebele, Army Boys
Home Ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Team colours: Green, brown and white
Team News: The Army Boys had a very quiet transfer window. They had the best defensive line last season, conceding just 29 goals. They have roped in centre back Kennedy Taukobong from Black Forest to enforce their defence. However, they failed to fix their goalkeeping problems. They will have to rely on last season’s hit, Tanzanian striker, Rashid Mandawa, who finished with 11 goals. Position last season: Six
Black Forest
Nickname: Magoleng
Home Ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Team colours: Green and white
Team news: A tough season awaits for the Mmankgodi-based side after parting ways with head coach, Gilbert Mushangazhike and key players, Molaodi Tlhalefang, Tonderai Nyakunba, Kennedy Taukobong and Gofaone Mabaya who were all instrumental in the team’s first top eight finishing in just their second season in the elite league. Position last season: Eight
BR Highlanders
Nickname: Mag Stimela
Home Ground: Serowe Sports Complex
Team colours: Purple and white
Team News: They return to the Premiership after a one-year absence. Had a very quiet transfer period, mainly due to the financial problems at the club. Not much is expected from the Mahalapye based side, as their main objective would be to avoid the chop. Position last season: Champions-First Division North
Extension Gunners
Nickname: Mapantsula, Guna Guna, Ezimnyama
Home ground: Lobatse Sports Complex
Team colours: Black and white
Team news: Extension Gunners have made changes to their technical bench, parting ways with head coach, Tumie Duiker, while bringing in Enos Mmesi and Pontsho Moloi. The team has lost key player, Mothusi Cooper to Township Rollers and did not have a satisfactory pre-season due to financial problems, which have limited in-comings. Position last season: Ninth
Gaborone United
Nickname: Moyagoleele, The Reds, The Money Machine
Home ground: National Stadium
Team colours: Red and white
Team news: Gaborone United had one of their most difficult seasons, where money was a big problem. They lost key players, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Tumisang Orebonye. They have signed, amongst others, Mandla Mgadla, Jackie Mothathego, Ogomoditse Bauleni and Patrick Kabamba, while Goitseone Phoko is now staying. Position last season: Fifth
Jwaneng Galaxy
Nickname: Galaxy Stars
Home Ground: Jwaneng Sports Complex
Team colours: Maroon, white and blue
Team News: They were the busiest in the market as they put 11 players on the transfer list. They also parted ways with head coach Zlakto Krmpotic. After finishing as runner-ups it may be hard to duplicate the form as they assemble a relatively new Galaxy team. Position last season: Two
Miscellaneous
Nickname: Tse Nala
Home Ground: Serowe Sports Complex
Team colours: Red, white and green
Team News: After attaining their best finish in the league, the team lost six of its key players who left due to the dire financial situation at the club. Coach, Oris Radipotsane will have to rely on the youngsters for results, as Tse Nala does not pose a threat. But they showed last season that they can’t be taken for granted. Position last season: Four
Mochudi Centre Chiefs
Nickname: Magosi
Team colours: Black, white, red
Team news: After a difficult season in which they finished 10th, Chiefs will be looking to do better, but still face financial challenges. Philani Mabhena comes in as the new coach, as Maxwell Moyo, Innocent Morapedi and Pontsho Moloi make way on the technical bench. Midfielder, Arnold Mamore returns and they have beefed up with Phenyo Molefe, Morris Ruzivo and the returning Elvis Meleka among a host of signings, who are however not expected to lift the team to the title. Position last season: 10th
Notwane
Nickname: Toronto, Sechaba
Home ground: National Stadium
Team colours: gold and black
Team news: Sechaba return after two seasons in the First Division, looking to make a better impact. Pio Paul will lead the side that has signed Richard Legwaila, Katlego Koobake, Topo Piet and Jomo Moatlhaping as they seek to stay afloat on their return.Position last season: First Division South champions
Orapa United
Nickname: Ostriches
Home ground: Itekeng Stadium
Team colours: Orange and white
Team news: Former Township Rollers coach, Teenage Mpote has joined as Bongani Mafu’s number two. The team has released Ronald Chikomo who joined Security Systems but have signed powerful Cameroonian forward, Christian Ntouba, Onkemetse Powe, Kelapile Ndlovu, Bophelo Kealeboga and Molaodi Tlhalefang. Position last season: Third
Police XI
Nickname: Jungle Kings
Home Ground: Otse Police College Stadium
Team colours: Maroon, white and orange
Team News: Survived the chop last season and fired coach, Isaiah Mogwadi. The team seems to have fixed their defensive woes with addition of Tonderai Nyakunba from Forest. A top eight finish is a realistic target for the Jungle Kings Position last season: 13th
Prisons XI
Nickname: The Warderers
Home Ground: UB Stadium
Team colours: Green and White
Team News: They return to the Premiership after a decade of absence. Under the tutelage of seasoned tactician, Philimon Makhwengwe, the team would be aiming to avoid the chop. Wardners have great additions in their side in winger Tiroyaone Maome and defender, Percy More who joined from Rollers on loan. The duo will help boost the team’s rather inexperienced squad. Position last season: Second-First Division South (gained promotion through playoffs)
Sankoyo Bush Bucks
Nickname: Ngurungu
Home ground: Maun Sports Complex
Team colours: Green and White
Team news: Once again their process maybe affected by the financial problems that have delayed their progress in the Premiership. They have lost key players, Modiredi Matengu and Morris Ruzivo. They are yet to appoint their new technical team with head coach, Philani Mabhena and his assistant Gadimang Tiiso having left for greener pastures. The latter is owed around P300, 000 by the club. Position last season: 11
Security Systems
Nickname: Alarm Boys
Home ground: Lobatse Sports Complex
Team colours: Red and white
Team news: Despite finishing 12th last season, the Alarm Boys are a force to be reckoned with. Under the guidance of coach, Daniel Nare, Systems have shown glimpses of a promising side when they survived the chop. They have roped in seasoned players such as Kemmy Pilato, Ronald Chikomo and Mosimanegape Robert all from Orapa United. Chico’s side could break in to the top eight bracket this season. Position last season: 12
Sharps Shooting Stars
Nickname: Excellence Stars, Bafana ba Zola
Home ground: UB Stadium
Team colours: Red, white and orange
Team news: Their downfall could be the departure of goal scorer, Moemedi Moatlhaping who finished on 16 goals last season. The team also lost reliable defender, Kelapile Ndlovu. However, they have shown they can compete without a number of ‘big names’ and could not be ruled out in interesting battle for the top eight, expected this season. Position last season: Seven
Township Rollers
Nickname: Popa, The Blues, Mapalastina
Home ground: National Stadium
Team colours: Blue and gold
Teams news: Edwin Olerile has been asked to be released while Thato Bolelweng is among those loaned out. Tumisang Orebonye, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Jackson Lesole all arrive from Gaborone United. Tshepo Matete and Mthokozisi Msomi have returned to South Africa, while fellow countryman, Stephen Kamogelo and Liberia’s Benamin Sarko have strengthened the team. Position last season: Champions