09 Jan 2015

Botswana Premier League has once again proven that is not for the faint-hearted as competition for the championship at the top of the log is not child’s play.

The two regular teams that always exchange the league championship are still breathing down each other’s neck.

First round just ended with on fire Rollers at the top of the log having finished unbeaten after playing 15 games and amassed 37 points, won 11, drew four and they are yet to loose.

It seems Mapalastina are destined to defend their championship with the kind of players they have, amongst them Namibian international, Jerome “JLO” Louis, Segolame Boy, Motsholetsi Sikele, Maano Ditshupo and Edwin “Muluba” Moalosi. There is no doubt that they might at the end of the season crowned champions.

Although Rollers have a lot of material, they still want to go shopping this transfer window. However, it will depend on the technical team as to how they are going to fully utilise the material.

It does not come as a surprise for Rollers to be on top in the first round, given that some of their players have adopted a habit of scoring week in and week out. Jerome Louis is currently the top goal scorer, a slot he shares with Mochudi Centre Chiefs player Lemponye Tshireletso. The two have both banged nine goals.

They are followed by Rollers’ South African international Manqoba Ngwenya with eight goals. Although is normally introduced as a substitute, he always ensures that his name is registered in the score sheet.

On position two of the log, is Kgatleng giants, Mochudi Centre Chiefs with 33 points. They have lost two games against Orapa United and Rollers; registered three draws and 10 victories.

Chiefs’ play has not been impressive, though they have arsenal of players who can cause havoc to any team. If they want to find themselves challenging for honors this coming season, they would need to beef up their squad more especially at the defense.

If they are to realise their dreams of challenging for championship, they should continue with their coach, Mike Sithole who has coached different teams in this country. The coach understands his opponents well and has proven capable of helping Magosi to come from behind and force a win.

On position three, is Lobatse based BMC with 28 points, eight wins, three lose and four draws. Should they continue with their good performance, they can also compete for the honors since only nine points separates them with log leaders. BDF X1 finds itself on position four, with 28 points. Like BMC, they also stand a good chance to finish on a respectable position.

For Gaborone United; they should put their house in order if they want to be counted amongst the teams that might give both Rollers and Chiefs competitions. GU that has been marred by controversy of suspending players and board room politics; is currently on number five, with 25 points.

One of the most improved teams in Premier League, Extension Gunners, seriously need to do something because they were not consistent in the first round, therefore they should up their game, if they are to finish in a respectable position. They are on position six with 25 points.

Orapa United is on position seven with 25 points; followed by Police X1 with 24 points; new comers, Sankoyo Bush Bucks has clearly showed their intention of remaining in the premier league since they are on position nine with 21 points followed by league veterans, Notwane with 15 points and on position 10.

At the bottom of the log, are FC Satmos and BR Highlanders. The two teams need to pull their socks, least they will kiss the lucrative league bye-bye. They both have 14 points and occupying positions on 11 and 12 respectively.

Nico United is on position 13, Ecco City Greens occupies 14, and Motlakase find itself on position 15. They all have 12 points and are separated by goal difference. New comers Letlapeng find the going tough since they are on position 16 with only eight points, though one might argue that they were still adjusting in the elite league.

BPL, Chief Executive Officer, Bennet Mamelodi told BOPA that he was satisfied on how the first round progressed since all the teams have managed to play all their first round 15 games with no outstanding issues.

He said the league has become competitive and attractive and commended clubs for their brave fight in their quest to finish the first round in respective positions.

However, he said as premier league, they have a mammoth task of luring more supporters to the stadiums.

Regarding the unavailability of National and UB Stadium, he said they would continue to engage stakeholders to ensure they use the facilities when the league resumes on January 16. ENDS