Giants in contrasting preps for new campaign
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday July 28, 2017 14:43
Club: Mochudi Centre Chiefs
Established: 1972
Position last season: 7
Players to watch: Noah Maposa, Thato Ogopotse
Home colours: Black and white stripes
Away colours: White
Home ground: National Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Coach: Bongani Mafu
A lot has happened since last season and the dust appears not settled yet with a mass exodus of players expected. Magosi have already lost Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Ayanda Molefe, Dirang Moloi and Arnold Mampori while the likes of captain, Lesego Galenamotlhale and Thato Kebue are also linked with moves away from the club.
The exodus reportedly emanates from unpaid salaries, an issue which is expected to continue to haunt the club while they are still trying to find a solution to the long-standing factional battles. Midfielder, Thato Ogopotse who was released by Gaborone United recently has since joined Magosi. After a very long time, Magosi finished outside the top five although they did relatively well under the circumstances. With more key players leaving, they are likely to rely much more on young players this season.
Club: Township Rollers
Established: 1961
Position last season: League Champions
Players to watch: Segolame Boy, Lemponye Tshireletso
Home colours: Blue and Gold
Away colours: Gold and blue
Home ground: National Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Coach: Nikola Kavazovic
The defending champions appear determined not to let their title go away easily if their preparations in the pre-season are anything to go by. Rollers recently took part in a one-day tournament in South Africa against the likes of Kaizer Chiefs. They also hosted Chiefs last week in yet another pre-season friendly match. With Mogogi Gabonamong having retired, Rollers have also parted ways with veteran midfielder, Lawrence Majawa. Pape Ndaw also returned to his home country while striker Kekaetswe Moloi has reportedly joined Police XI. However they have moved swiftly to register Jerome Ramatlhakwana and South African attacker, Tshepo Matete as well as Ivan Ntege from Uganda.
They are also reportedly still assessing some players as they look to do more reinforcements. With new coach, Nikola Kavazovic now at the helm, Teenage Mpote has now returned to the position of assistant coach. They kick-start their title defence against Premier League returnees, TAFIC.
Club: Gaborone United (GU)
Established: 1967
Position last season: 5
Players to watch: Alphonse Modisaotsile, Thatayaone Kgamanyane
Home colours: Red
Away colours: White
Home ground: National Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Coach: Rodolfo Zapata
Following last season’s financial struggles, The Money Machine as GU are popularly known seem to be back on their feet again. At the end of the season, club secretary, City Senne said they will break the bank this time around if need be to reinforce their squad.
True to his word, GU have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market. Senne also said they want to challenge for honours this season after years of absence in the title race.
They have already acquired the services of Dirang Moloi, Kgamanyane and Boipelo Oaitse amongst others. Coach Rodolfo Zapata had always indicated he wanted some few new faces in his squad, but his wishes were hampered by the fact that GU struggled financially ahead of the start of last season. Uniao Flamengo Santos will be their first test when the season starts on August 18.
Club: Extension Gunners
Established:1967
Position last season: 4
Players to watch: Ofentse Mmipi, Desire Bafana
Home colours: Black
Away colours: White
Home ground: New Lobatse Stadium
Capacity: 22,000
Coach: Itumeleng Duiker
All eyes will be on the Peleng giants this season following their incredible performances last season. Gunners surprised many when they finished fourth last season after years of being a shadow of themselves.
Gunners were unbeaten under Duiker since he took over as care taker coach in the middle of the season. They have been relatively quiet since the transfer window opened although they have lost left back, Oabile Makopo to Jwaneng Galaxy.
Chances are that they will not make any major signings after the club announced recently that they are trying to settle their debts and avoid spending for now. However utility player, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile is reportedly on his way back to them after spending last season at Gilport Lions.
Club: Orapa United
Established: 2010
Position last season: 3
Players to watch: Tendai Nyumasi, Thabang Mosige
Home colours: Orange and black
Away colours: White
Home ground: Itekeng Stadium
Capacity: 5,000
Coach: Madinda Ndlovu
During the club’s end of the season awards, coach Madinda Ndlovu promised Orapa United supporters that he would win the league for them this season. Having won the Mascom Top 8 in 2016, Ndlovu and his technical team appear determined to try and win the league for the first time. Individually he has won it three times, twice with Chiefs and once at Rollers.
They finished third last season after a disappointing display in the second round of the league. They have been boosted by the arrival of speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye from Rollers and Tapiwa Nyamanjiva from Miscellaneous while they have managed to keep the bulk of their key players up to this moment. They take on Police XI in the first game.