Can Mapalastina defend the title?

| Monday August 16, 2010 00:00

Township RollersAs the defending champions, Mapalastina will be under immense pressure to retain the title. However, they might find the going tough and a runners-up position will do them good. With the departure of last season's top scorer Terrence Mandaza, it will be interesting to see who will take the responsibility of rattling the net for the champions.

 Rollers have made two good signings from Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Musonda Mweuka and Sekhana Koko. The latter is not new to the set-up at Rollers and he might not struggle to settle. Mweuka is known for missing countless opportunities and if he wants to win the hearts of the hard-to-please Rollers supporters, he needs to sharpen his scoring instincts. Possible Position: 2nd

Mochudi Centre ChiefsThe Kgatleng giants have performed well in the past two seasons finishing second to Gaborone United (GU) and Rollers. They have learnt their lessons and there is no doubt that they will be gunning for the championship. Most people might dismiss this as a dream, but Chiefs will be crowned champions this season. Though they have not made any big name signings except for Itai Gwandu from Rollers, Magosi have a formidable squad which will compete for the championship. The departure of creative midfielder Dirang Moloi to South African Premier League side Vasco Da Gama might be felt but the return of his brother, Pontsho will be an added boost to the Kgatleng giants. Possible Position: 1st

Uniao Flamengo SantosSantos did well last season but made a mistake when they let coach Clever Hunda go in the middle of the season. The departure of top scorer, Farasai Nyamunamwendo and Bushy Moletsane who was inspirational in their success last season might cost them dearly. There is no doubt that Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele is a reputable striker, but he needs someone to relieve pressure off him. Nyamunamwendo did a sterling job in that regard last season. Possible Position: 4th

Extension Gunners They surprised many with their performance last season, which saw them finishing fourth. Credit has to go to coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare who did a fantastic job. Gunners have managed to retain the core of their squad and the return of Tiroyamodimo 'TRX' Mohambi might be crucial. This season, Gunners' main undoing might be the internal problems in their executive committee. Unless the officials get their act together, things might not be rosy at the Peleng side.Possible Position: 6th

ECCO City GreensThe poor form of Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang last season had a negative impact on ECCO's performance. If he finds his scoring touch this season, ECCO will be a menace like before. With TASC back in the topflight, ECCO will have to up their performance to remain as the giants of the north. The arrival of goalkeeper Chamu Madamombe from Boteti Young Fighters has strengthened their last line of defence. Possible Position: 7th

Gaborone United (GU)Mike Sithole, the coach of GU seems to have the right tonic to turn around the fortunes of the Reds. As defending champions, GU were disappointing last season. The experience they gained in the CAF Champions League this year might come in handy. This season, the Reds will be up there challenging for the top honours. GU did not make any big name signings during the transfer window except for defender Mmusa Ohilwe from BMC. The young talent they have recruited from lower divisions might take time to settle.Possible Position: 3rd

BDF XIMatebele will once again struggle for a top four finish this season. Their problem over the past seasons is that they have not found good strikers. Surely, their supporters might be missing the days of Boikaego 'Lodger' Modise and Christopher Mbaakanyi who were ruthless in front of goal. Possible Position: 8th

NotwaneThe departure of Moreetsi Mosimanyana to BDF XI might be seen as a major blow but Toronto acted swiftly by signing Agisanyang Ramaabya from Police XI. This time, they have tried their best by bolstering their squad. The likes of Othusitse 'Sphetho' Mahube from Extension Gunners and Mothusi 'Chippa' Lekoko should spearhead the search for glory at Toronto. A word of advice to Notwane. They should give coach Luke Masomere a chance to rebuild Sechaba and they will reap the rewards. Possible Position: 5th

Nico UnitedDespite acquiring the services of Bernard Semakwezi and Ntungamile Tshoganetso from Extension Gunners, Majombolo will continue to struggle this season. They have always started on a high only to falter as the going gets tough. Internal problems have been the bane of the Selebi-Phikwe side. This season will be no exception. Possible Position: 13th 

BMCEzinkomo were pathetic last season and unless the executive committee change things, they are likely to struggle. As has been the case in the past, BMC have not landed any big name. Mmusa Ohilwe and Thebe Maiketso have joined GU but it seems the management has failed to replace them. Possible Position: 11th

Police XIThe Jungle Kings just like their brothers in arms BDF XI, have been a disappointment over the years though the arrival of Clever Hunda as head coach might change things. Police XI will once again struggle to break into the top eight bracket. Possible Position: 9th

TAFICThey used to be the giants of the north during the days of Mmoloki 'BB' Sechele, Leonard 'Hero' Matenge, Carlos Tawana and Palace Hubona. If TAFIC can manage to retain veteran coach Paul Moyo, they might have some good moments this season. With the experience of goalkeeper Lesego Moeng, Lovemore Mokgweetsi and Mlamuli Phakhati, things might change for the better. Possible Position: 10th

TASCTheir return to the Premier League was expected and it is time for them to show their worth. Coach Seth Moleofhi has been there before and knows what to expect in the top flight. It will take a lot of effort from the players to avoid relegation but they will survive the axe come the end of the season. Possible Position: 12th

MotlakaseThe Palapye-based outfit made a lot of headlines when they arrived in the Premier League last season and that could have put them under pressure to impress. There have been reports of instability in the club for most of last season and they were lucky to survive the axe. This season, chances of Choka-Choka surviving the axe are slim.Even the presence of coach Stanley Mwaanga would not save them. Possible Position: 15th

MiscellaneousJust like Motlakase, the arrival of Miscellaneous has captured the imagination. It would be interesting to see if the players would come to the party. As has been the case in the past, newcomers usually struggle to stay in the league in their maiden season. The other disadvantage for Miscellaneous is that they will be playing their home games either in Selebi-Phikwe or Francistown. If the Serowe Stadium was up to standard, Miscellaneous would have been in a better position because of home-ground advantage. Possible Position: 14th

Black PerilMochacho return to the country's elite league after a decade and their presence will be closely monitored. Just like the other new boys, nothing big is expected from Peril and they will return to the lower ranks come the end of the season. They have a highly ambitious coach in Machine Nthaga but lack of experience will cost his side when the season gains momentum. They will receive a baptism of fire when they face defending champions Rollers in their opening league game this Saturday followed by Chiefs. If Peril lose these games, it might be a serious morale killer.Possible Position: 16th