Prisons XI on the verge of Premier League return

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff Writer | Friday July 6, 2012 00:00

 

After a 2-1 away to BR Highlanders, Prisons XI are in a good position to bounce back to the elite league. After being piped to the automatic promotion spot by debutants Security Systems, Prisons had to approach the play-offs with much vigor. But Highlanders proved not to be pushovers as Prisons coach, Digger Montwedi was only saved from humiliation in the dying minutes of the game by veteran striker, Tatenda Mbikiwa and Nkobi 'Fabregas' Kehipile after the two came off the bench in the second half to score the crucial goals.

The fact that Prisons were able to snatch the three points away from home, coming from behind after the hosts surged forward through a second half penalty, demonstrated good character and determination. Though Prisons are currently ahead, nothing is guaranteed and Montwedi and his charges cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

Highlanders, who finished second in the First Division north behind Premier League returnees, Motlakase Power Dynamos are worthy of their place in the promotional games and still fancy their chances; Prisons could only undermine them its own peril.

A 2-1 score is very close and the Mahalapye team could even score more and cancel Prisons' away goal. The game could be very tactical for the two sides, with Prisons more determined to protect what they already have, while Highlanders would have the urge to score goals-something which could expose them at the back in the process. Montwedi, despite failing to clinch automatic promotion after leading the team for one season, has proved a good tactician with a record of 23 games unbeaten of which 14 are wins and nine draws, but his tactical acumen would be thoroughly tested on Saturday. The return game kicks off at 3:00 pm tomorrow at the Village in Gaborone.