Photo finish at both ends of the Premiership log
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday May 12, 2017 11:45
While Rollers’ games were postponed last week due to Gofaone Tiro’s funeral, log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy opened the gap at the top.
Last Saturday, however, they failed to take full advantage when they were held to a 2-2 draw against Black Forest, meaning they were now just four points ahead of Rollers. Rollers still had two games behind.
On Wednesday, Terrence Mandaza and Joel Mogorosi ensured Rollers returned to winning ways and closed the gap to one point. This Saturday, Rollers are away to Nico United hoping they win and reclaim top spot.
Galaxy on the other hand will be out of action as the Botswana Premier League attempts to reduce the number of pending matches. Nico are battling for their survival while Green Lovers look destined to join Mahalapye Hotspurs in the lower division.
Title race
With an average of three matches remaining, the race for the title is now a two-horse race although Orapa United are not far off. If Rollers register a victory against Nico United tomorrow, they will go to the summit, but will only open a two-point lead.
On Tuesday, Galaxy will have a tricky encounter away to Orapa United while Rollers will, later in the evening, take on Green Lovers in Serowe.
Remaining matches:
Rollers: Nico United, Green Lovers, Black Forest, Galaxy
Galaxy: Orapa United, Gaborone United (GU), Rollers
Orapa United: Galaxy, Chiefs, Gaborone United
Relegation battle
As things stand, Green Lovers appear to be on their way to the First Division. Hotspurs became the first casualty when they lost to Security Systems last weekend.
Nico United’s loss to Galaxy last weekend seems to have left a huge dent in their hopes for survival. Nico are in serious danger and desperately need to win all their remaining games if they are to survive.
They are in position 14 with 25 points. They hope to catch and pass either Sankoyo Bush Bucks or Miscellaneous who are holding positions 13 and 12 respectively. Sankoyo have amassed 29 points so far while Miscellaneous are on 30 points. Interestingly, Nico are yet to play other relegation candidates; Sankoyo, Hotspurs and Gilport Lions.
Remaining matches:
Nico: Rollers, Gilport Lions, Sankoyo, Hotspurs
Green Lovers: Hotspurs, Rollers, Gunners, Miscellaneous
Gilport: Sankoyo, Nico, Police XI, Black Forest
Sankoyo: Gilport, Nico, BDF XI, Police XI