Black Peril in surprise lead

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Wednesday February 17, 2010 00:00

 

Black Peril were only promoted to the First Division this season but look set to sail all the way to the top flight if they maintain the tempo. Formerly known as Liverpool, the club leads the standings with 23 points one ahead of Ramotswa side, Letlapeng. Ex-national champions, Mogoditshane Fighters, who were relegated from the Premier League last season have also collected 22 points.

But the Brazilians would need more than just consistent results to be assured of automatic promotion. It has been a good run considering that Fighters were docked six points before the season started after the controversial play-off game against Jwaneng Comets. Former Premier League side, Prisons XI are also in with a promotion chance as they are placed third with 21 points.

Masitaoka who only avoided relegation on a technicality at the end of last season, have been playing better in this campaign and are currently placed fifth. The Molepolole side could spring a surprise as the league reaches the exciting stage.

Naughty Boys who dropped from the Premier League at the end of last season, have a knack of nicking in at the last minute. It would be fatal for any of their opponents to rule them out.

Black Peril coach, Thalobo 'Machine' Nthaga recently told Mmegi Sport that though their initial focus was to keep their status in the First Division, they will take full advantage of any available opportunity to win the title.

At the time, his team was trailing Fighters who were at the top of the log. Now that he has been able to assume the log leadership, this could motivate his players.

Though he denies it, Enos Mmesi, the affable Letlapeng  mentor is out to prove that he can take another side to the Premier League after he achieved a similar feat with another Ramotswa side, Killer Giants. But with nine games left before the end of the season, Mmesi is cautious yet positive about his team's chances of giving Balete more reason to celebrate. Last Sunday's loss to Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the Coca-Cola Cup has not dented his spirits. If anything, he said, it was an eye opener for the team.

'I would not say losing to Chiefs has exposed our weaknesses or strengths. No one can use the Chiefs game to gauge our strength. It was good to meet such a strong team like Chiefs'. It helps the players' confidence. But we know that our main focus is winning the league,' he said.

Mmesi warned that all the teams in the league pose a serious threat to those chasing promotion and that any coach can undermine the so-called small clubs at their own peril.

'It is still early days. I have not played Black Peril but the result from that match cannot alone determine the outcome of the league at the end of the season. If we are to realise our dream of going up, we need to respect all our opponents but we should not fear them,' he said.