Sua Flamingoes are at the summit, but their stay at the top is under threat from the chasing pack, particularly from an ominous-looking Gaborone United side. GU is playing catch-up after a campaign disrupted by participation in the CAF Champions League, where they could not clear the first hurdle. The Reds narrowly lost 2-1 to Tanzania over the two legs as GU left its mark despite the early exit. The defending champions' elimination appears to have fuelled their anger, and it is local opponents who are feeling the wrath. Since their return from their African sojourn, GU have been emphatic, brushing aside leaders, Flamingoes 3-1 in a statement win, before a similar victory over Matebele over the weekend. In midweek, the defending champions scored another important victory on the road, a 2-1 triumph over Morupule Wanderers, reminding rivals of the huge task ahead.
GU's good run of form has installed them as early favourites as they sit fifth with 13 points, but crucially, having played three games less than Flamingoes, who are on 18 points. The only surprise package at the top of the table is Selebi-Phikwe-based side Nico United, with Majombolo among the early pacesetters. Nico are third with 16 points, the same as Mochudi Centre Chiefs, who are second due to a better goal difference. Majombolo have started the season brightly and are amongst only four sides that remain unbeaten. The others are Chiefs, GU and Jwaneng Galaxy. Township Rollers, looking to settle after the off-the-pitch upheavals, are fourth as they recorded their first defeat of the season, going down to Chiefs in Francistown on Saturday. Galaxy are sixth whilst Orapa are seventh, and Wanderers complete the top eight, in what is a heavy-hitting top-half of the log. Rookies, Black Lions, have not fared badly, with the team in ninth, whilst Santa Green, also making their debut, are in 10th place. At the tail end, it is not looking good for newcomers, Calendar Stars, who are already anchoring the table eight games into the season. Stars are the only team still searching for a first win of the season, and signs are that the team is destined for a quick return to the lower league. Mike Sithole's Extension Gunners occupy one of the three relegation spots, with Matebele taking the other at position 15.
