Newcomers face tough opening week
Staff Writer | Thursday July 27, 2017 15:19
According to the draft fixtures, rookies, Sharps Shooting Stars take the long trip to Maun to face Sankoyo Bush Bucks in their first Premier League game on August 19. Sharps have already showed little of what to expect in their first ever appearance in the Premier League when they took part in the Mayor’s Cup last weekend.
They first took on Extension Gunners and thrashed the Lobatse side 3-0 before they beat Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the final. Against Sankoyo, they face a tricky side that has confirmed the return of Philani Mabhena as the head coach. Mabhena was at the helm when Sankoyo gained promotion, but left and joined Jwaneng Galaxy. He has since returned following the departure of Dragojlo Stanojlovic.
On the opening day of the season, Santos will host Gaborone United (GU) in Molepolole as they make their return to top-flight football. Santos, known for their reliance on young gifted players, have been quiet since the transfer window opened.
They face a side that has been bullish in the transfer market. Moyagoleele have already confirmed the arrival of Dirang Moloi, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Arnold Mampori and Boipelo Oaitse.
They are said to be on the lookout to add more signings ahead of the start of the season. TAFIC also return to top-flight football with an encounter against defending champions, Township Rollers in Gaborone.
Last season’s surprise packages, Black Forest and Security Systems will kick-start the season against each other. Chiefs who are facing a mass exodus will be at home to Jwaneng Galaxy who like GU, have been busy on the transfer market. Gunners take on Gilport Lions while Police host Orapa United. BDF XI will also be at home in their first game to Miscellaneous.
Meanwhile, the usually anticipated clash between bitter rivals, Rollers and Chiefs has been scheduled for January 6.
The traditional derby between the defending champions and GU will be played on October 18 while ‘diamond giants’, Orapa United and Galaxy will meet on September 9 in Jwaneng.