27 Oct 2022

It’s all systems go as Botswana Premier League (BPL) games kick-off.

As it is the norm in sport, tempers shall fly as teams seek to maintain their league status and possibly grab the title from Gaborone United (GU).

However, GU aka Moyagoleele will not want to go to the battle field and return empty handed.

Therefore, it goes without saying that GU will make their intentions clear as they visit BDF XI at Lobatse Sports Complex tomorrow afternoon.

There is never a dull moment  when the two sides lock horns.

So, football enthusiasts are assured of a captivating game.

BDF XI, fondly called Matebele, have established themselves as difficult opponents for GU over the years. 

They stopped Moyagoleele’s winning start to last season with a 2-1 victory in Lobatse.

However, GU avenged that defeat with a 2-0 victory at the National Stadium in the second round.

Statistics of over the past 10 seasons give BDF XI a slight edge over Moyagoleele. 

In 19 matches, the military team has won seven times, GU claimed six victories, while six matches ended in a stalemate.

GU will, however, hold the ‘favourites’ tag on Saturday after a splendid 20212022 season in which they won the league and Orange FA Cup. 

They enhanced their character by pushing AS Vita all the way at the formidable Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa in the CAF Champions League.

The acquisition of star midfielder, Mothusi Cooper, from Moroccan club Mouloudia Oujda, as well as Duncan Otieno and John Makwata from Kenya Police strengthened the team further. 

Cooper may give BDF midfield and defence a tough game.

He is sharp, a good passer of the ball and his work rate is always a marvel.

Attention will also be on the two Kenyans, who will compelled to show their worth. 

GU have an array of talent that include Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Thero Setsile,  Mpho Kgaswane, and Obonwe Maome.

Matebele-a-Mantshonyana cannot be taken lightly and they will be looking to spoil the party flor title holders. 

The military team has strengthened its attack with the acquisition of Aobakwe Tshobo and Mbonisi Ncube to add to their array of strikers like Tauyatswala, Taunyane and Thabo Metlhayotlhe.

The hard-shooting Tauyatswala  is no pushover.

His ability to dribble and release thunderbolts will be a nightmare for GU. 

Still on Saturday, debutants Eleven Angels and Holy Ghost will get their first taste of top division football. 

The two teams have had meteoric rise to the top. Just a few seasons ago, they were both campaigning in regional football leagues.

Francistown side Eleven Angels, which is famed for using players from its development structures, will welcome Morupule Wanderers to the Obed Itani Sports Complex, while Holy Ghost will have a baptism of fire as they tackle a strong Jwaneng Galaxy at Molepolole Sports Complex. 

In Selebi Phikwe, Nico United will mark their return to the elite league by welcoming Sua Flamingoes. 

The four matches will kick off at 4pm. 

At 7pm Orapa United, under interim coach Gadimang Tiiso, will lock horns with Masitaoka, which is also under new coach Mandla Mpofu at Itekeng Stadium in Orapa.

On Sunday, Township Rollers will welcome Mogoditshane Fighters to Molepolole Sports Complex, Prisons XI clash with Security Systems at Lobatse Sports Complex, while Police XI take on Extension Gunners at Otse Police College. Ends