14 Jan 2016

The beMOBILE Premiership returns to action this weekend after the Christmas break in what many consider to be the toughest part of the championship.

With only 13 games left before the premiership wraps up, football lovers are expecting their teams to put up improved performances to either escape the dreaded relegation axe or hunt for the top spot at the end of the race.

Few interesting games are scattered around different stadia across the country, with the most interesting fixture billed for Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday where seventh placed Gaborone United welcomes second placed Orapa United. The Orapa based outfit has been a force to reckon with ever since they joined the elite league, though they are not considered among the elite clubs in the country. 

The Madinda Ndlovu coached lads are expected to continue where they left off in the first round against a Gaborone United team that has already announced losing hope on challenging for the championship. 

Moyagoleele has reportedly shifted focus to the next championship as evidenced by their busy schedule on the market, having already snatched the league’s current leading goal scorer, Moatlhodi Ralesotla from Green Lovers.

They are also reportedly pursuing Tapiwa Gadibolae of crosstown rivals, Township Rollers who is on loan to Police XI.

Orapa United is currently on 38 points, just three points below log leaders, Rollers, while GU is a distant seventh with 26 points. 

Despite the difference, however, the two teams are expected to light up the Bakwena capital with entertaining football and Moyagoleele will be no easy walk for Orapa United.

The games start on Friday with high flying Miscellaneous welcoming Gilport Lions in Serowe in the battle of the new boys. Mmeselane will be out to collect maximum points against the visitors.

On Saturday, Nico United welcomes army boys, BDF XI in Selebi Phikwe while Extension Gunners will be lying in wait for bottom placed FC Satmos, who have only managed a paltry five points from a possible 51. Satmos is so far the only team without a victory in the premiership having lost 12 of their 17 games and drawing the rest.

Satmos has also proved to be porous at the back, letting in a staggering 38 goals against the 10 they scored. 

All these tilt the scales in favour of Mapantsula.

Still on Saturday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs will welcome Maun based Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the National Stadium, and the Kgatleng giants will be hoping to use the disgruntlement in the Sankoyo camp to their advantage.

Over the festive break Sankoyo has been plagued by player protests over unpaid salaries, with most of them failing to return to training, while the management has also faced some resignations.

In Serowe, BR Highlanders will be hoping to close the gap between them and Green Lovers and ease the relegation threat when the two meet.  Lovers are perched just above Highlanders with a difference of six points.

Motlakase on the other hand will be welcoming the once high flying Police XI, who have since trickled down the superiority order to position six. 

Despite the loss of stamina to lead the league, the Jungle Kings are still the favourites to emerge victorious against their second from bottom placed opponents.

A single game is billed for Sunday where Galaxy FC will be welcoming log leaders, Rollers at the Galaxy Stadium in Jwaneng.

Having been one of the busiest teams during the festive break, Rollers players are expected to be overly fit and the Mark Harrison lads will be looking to keep or extend the difference between them and Orapa United.

Rollers will also be happy to welcome midfield magician, Segolame Boy who had a lengthy layoff towards the festive due to injury.

The race for the golden boot is also expected to heat up with Thabang Sesinyi of Orapa United just a goal shy of Ralesotla  with 11 goals. Boy is also close with 10 goals.

All the games start at 4pm except for the Friday fixtures as well as the Chiefs versus Sankoyo and Motlakase versus Police XI games. Ends