The Jungle Kings collected maximum points over the weekend after defeating Taung Young Strikers 1-0 in a Debswana First Division South League contest. Playing the first game of 2025, Police XI cemented their place at the top of the standing and their lead is now three points with eight matches played. After suffering relegation last season, Mandivenga is of the view that the Jungle Kings are en route to the top flight league. "Our mandate is to go back to the Premier League and we will have to go there by hook or crook. We have to go back there even if we are under pressure but everyone is under pressure and I'm confident," he said. The gaffer said although the league is a marathon and this is only the first round, he argued that from now on, they cannot afford any slip up. "They gave us a run for our money, and it is always good to win these away matches because we are number one. We are on the top, and that's a position we cannot give up easily hence why we fight this much," Mandivenga said.
Although it was a high stakes game and tipped to be palpable with first position up for grabs between the two teams, there were plenty of lacklustre moments. Both teams played on the counter and employed the low block. Jackie Tapologo nearly broke the deadlock from a free-kick in the 22nd minute but missed by a few inches. Meanwhile, Young Strikers' forward Thabo Metlhayotlhe's free header was denied by the keeper. Police XI broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when it took a sheer moment of brilliance from substitute, Karabo Kelathilwe, to convert a set piece leaving Thuto Lechaena flat footed. Tshephang Molefe nearly doubled the lead but his header hit the cross bar.
