Feisty First Division race back on track
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday January 26, 2018 16:45
Motlakase Power Dynamos kept an astounding chase on unyielding BR Highlanders in the first round. And when they had the chance to leapfrog the Mahalapye side in the last fixture, they slipped to Francistown City Greens.
The difference between Highlanders and Motlakase is just three points. The two are expected to continue where they left off.
Chouka have lost two key players, Kealeboga Oitsile and Thatayaone Magazi, who were instrumental in their attack. Papi Bolofete, their cushion in the middle of the park, has also not returned to the financially-crippled Chouka.
Replacements have been made but that could take a sting out of the Palapye side. Highlanders have not made any significant changes and are still weighing their options.
Usual suspects Sua Flamingoes and Morupule Wanderers, third and fourth placed respectively, are financially stable and able to make adjustments. Morupule will have about five new faces and Flamingoes are engaged in talks with a revived Lovemore Murirwa following the departure of Mbatshi Machongo who returned to his former side, TAFIC.
Flamingoes and Wanderers are still in with a chance as they are eight points adrift.
Mahalapye United Hotspurs, which had 13 players following a mass exodus, navigated their way out of the relegation zone into the mid table crowd, after the arrival of 26-year-old coach, Wame ‘Pepe’ Mokoke. Hotspurs have signed seven players and the coach is looking to add another three before the window closes.
Mokoke said following a surprise turn around in the first round, their focus switches from survival to a top four finish. Mid-table pack of Calendar Stars, Great North Tigers and Hotspurs are breathing heavily on Flamingoes and Wanderers, all a point below. Nico United, City Greens and Real Movers are at the wrong side of the table with rookies Maphatshwa who struggled since the league kicked off.
The trio however, has the capability to turn tables around cannot be underestimated.
League chairperson, Mpezeni Sambandawe applauded the teams for completing first round with few boardroom issues.
“There is a close contest at the top and we are expecting this league to go down to the wire. I encourage our supporters to come in larger numbers, as there is no better league than the First Division North.”
Saturday 27 January 2018
Maphatshwa vs Motlakase
Maphatshwa Ground 15:30
Wanderers vs Hotspurs
Pilikwe Ground 15:30
Highlanders vs Nico
Railway Ground 15:00
City Greens vs Real Movers
F/town Council Stadium 15:00
Flamingoes vs Green Lovers
Sowa Stadium 15:00
Sunday 28 January 2018
GNT vs Calendar Stars
F/town Council Stadium 15:00