2017/2018 BTC Premiership preview (III)
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday September 8, 2017 15:44
Club: Miscellaneous
Established: 1962
Position last season: 11
Players to watch: Pako Gaofose, Bonolo Fraizer
Home colours: Red and white
Away colours: White
Home ground: Serowe Sports Complex
Coach: Daniel Nare
Two weeks before the start of the season, same old problems continue to haunt the Serowe-based side. Miscellaneous have for many seasons struggled financially; at one point the situation saw them drop to the lower division. They returned two seasons ago and although the situation remained the same financially, they finished in the top eight for the first time. The club recently launched a membership drive as they seek to find ways of increasing their income. However, reports from Serowe are that the club is in financial doldrums once again. The continued postponement of the start of the season has not helped matters, as their only source of income is the gate takings. With the arrival of new coach, Daniel Nare, Miscellaneous despite their financial situation have still managed to bring some quality players amongst them attacking midfielder, Pako Gaofose and striker, Bonolo Fraizer. Gaofose was amongst the players released by Jwaneng Galaxy. Another key player who has arrived is goalkeeper, Basimanebotlhe Moilwa. He is joining from BDF XI. Aside from their financial problems, they look set to give a fight if their squad is anything to go by.
Club: Gilport Lions
Established: 1969
Position last season: 10
Players to watch: Topo Piet
Home colours: Orange
Away colours: Orange and black
Home ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Paradzayi Mandivenga
What seemed like a good project, which was likely to be turned into a monster, took a wrong turn last season when wrangles over the ownership of the club came into the picture. Problems began as the current management under the leadership of Kelesitse Gilika resigned, handing over the club back to the committee, which ran it under the BMC name. The whole saga disturbed their season, and ended up failing to make it to some games. They ended up finishing in position 10. They have since lost some players amongst them goal poacher, Patrick Kaunda with the two parties currently seeking a solution to the matter. They have not registered any big name this season but instead brought in Tanzanian player, Mohamed Mgunda.
Club: TAFIC
Established: 1959
Position last season: Champions - First Division North
Players to watch: Mmoloki Kafuko
Home colours: Red
Away colours: White
Home ground: Francistown Sports Complex
Coach: Maxwell Moyo
The return of TAFIC has brought back excitement in Francistown and surrounding areas after years of absence from the elite league. They kickstart their Premier League return with a home game against defending champions, Township Rollers. The game will be used to launch the new campaign where a signing ceremony will be held between the Botswana Premier League (BPL) and league sponsors, BTC. They have bolstered their squad with 10 players. Amongst the players is former Mochudi Centre Chiefs midfielder, Ocean Mpofu who is expected to bring stability to a midfield that already has (Mmoloki) Kafuko. Samuel Phiri and Kawashu Makai have also arrived at TAFIC. Maxwell Moyo’s experience in the Premier League will also be vital as they seek to secure their status in the league on their return.
Club: Uniao Flamengo Santos
Established: 2003
Position last season: Runners up – First Division South
Players to watch: Eric Molefhi
Home colours: Blue and white
Away colours: White
Home ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Blessing Moyo
Like TAFIC, Santos finally managed to make a return to the Premier League, thanks to their play-off win over Motlakase Power Dynamos. The Gabane-based side is known for unleashing young talent and still be able to compete fiercely. They did so years ago when they let loose several talented youngsters amongst them Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng. It remains to be seen what they have in store this time, but they have added few experienced bodies recently to their squad. Ontse Ntesa and Ogomoditse Sitang from Chiefs and Police XI have joined the Gabane side. They have roped in former TAFIC coach, (Blessing) Moyo to lead the team. Innocent Ranku, who led the team to the elite league, is expected to be the assistant coach since he reportedly does not have the right qualifications to lead the team in the Premier League.
Club: Sharps Shooting Stars
Position last season: Champions – First Division South
Players to watch: Moemedi Moatlhaping, Monageng Thaele
Home colours: Red and white
Away colours: White
Home ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Pio Paul
Pio Paul’s men will be making their debut in the Premier League, but have already proved they can compete against big guns when they won the Mayor’s Cup. The arrival of (Monageng) Thaele and (Moemedi) Moatlhaping last season proved to be what the doctor had ordered and helped Sharps gain promotion. Paul has once again brought in two other experienced campaigners in Boitumelo Modisaotsile and Amos Godirwang as he seeks to make a mark in the Premier League.
Club: Black Forest
Established: 1998
Position last season: 9
Players to watch: Zebron Njobvu
Home colours: Green and white
Away Colours: White
Home ground: Molepolole Sports Complex
Coach: Yet to appoint head coach
Following a relatively impressive Premier League debut last season, there have been major changes with the coach, Rapelang Tsatsilebe and three influential players, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Wellington Maposa leaving. While both Kgamanyane and Chikuhwa have sought greener pastures, it came as a surprise when the club management opted not to renew the head coach, Tsatsilebe’s contract. The club is yet to announce the new head coach. They have brought in 10 new players among them Zebron Njobvu from Orapa United.