10 May 2018

Seventeen Division One League champions from Botswana Football Association (BFA) regions will battle each other for promotion to the National First Division this weekend.

Teams will engage in the play-offs in their respective blocks after which block winners will be promoted to the country’s second tier division.

An intense fight in the southern block is expected between Masitaoka from Kweneng, Atlanta Chiefs from Kgatleng, Digodi from South East, Holy Ghost from Gaborone and Jwaneng Fighters.

Masitaoka used to be established campaigners in the first division before relegating three years ago, and would therefore be gunning for a return to their former hunting ground.

The Molepolole-based team, which is now under the guidance of former Black Peril coach, Nelson Olebile, featured in the play-offs last year and will be determined to secure promotion this time.

Digodi, who are among the oldest and most supported teams in Mmankgodi, will on the other hand, aim to use home ground advantage to qualify for the first division as the play-offs will be held in their village.

The western block play-offs in Ghanzi will pit Blue Stars from the Ghanzi region against King Rodgers from Kgalagadi South, Motaung Young Fighters from Kgalagadi Central and Sand Diamonds from Hukuntsi region.

The eastern block play-offs in Serowe will see Peacemakers from Bobonong, who had a brief spell in the first division a decade ago, attempting to return to the second tier.

The Bobirwa team, which had an unsuccessful play-off campaign last year, will this time battle other ex-first division campaigners in Palapye All Stars from Tswapong region and Tsabotlhe FC from Central North as well as Santa Green from Central South for a ticket to the First Division North next season.

The northern block play-offs in Letlhakane will see Kazungula Young Fighters from Chobe trying to bounce back to the first division after getting relegated last year.

They will lock horns with ex-first division campaigners in Maun Terrors from Nhabe, Eleven Angels from the Francistown region and White Diamonds from Boteti region.

White Diamonds used to campaign in the top division some four decades ago. ENDS