25 May 2023

A captivating fixture is slated for the Chad Arena in Chadibe North near Francistown (Saturday) as the home side, Chadibe FC and VTM FC face off in the first round of the premier league promotional playoffs.

Bafana Ba Dijabane as VTM are fondly called, pushed themselves into the promotional playoff fixture after finishing in the second spot, a point shy off  league champions, Matebele FC in a photo finish First Division South League campaign.

On the other side, Abafana Ba Jabulile as Chadibe FC are affectionately called, sneaked into the playoffs after a final day 1-0 victory over BR Highlanders in Mahalapye in the First Division North Campaign.

Winners of the two-legged promotional tie will gain promotion to the Botswana premier league campaign next season. The second leg of the fixtures will be played at the VTM arena on June 3.

In an interview ahead of the high-octane fixture, Chadibe FC spokesperson, Leatile Morgan said despite failing to reach their target of automatic promotion they still have a chance at the promotional playoffs.

The youthful team was promoted to the First Division North league in the 2019/20 season from Francistown Regional Football Association (FRAFA) division one.

Chadibe FC, established in 2015, spent two years in the third tier league campaign and won the promotional playoffs in Letlhakane to gain promotion to first division.

After Tafic FC gained automatic promotion back into the elite league, Chadibe settled for the second spot and booked a date with VTM.

Morgan said after finishing in position three after their first division inaugural season appearance, they got motivated to compete for promotion.

The team boasts of experience and youthful talent in the mold of Bongani Ranji, Samuel Phiri, Katlego Macheneke and Cyprian Masule.

However, VTM team manager, Boitshepo Gaegopolwe said they travel to Chadibe hoping to pick up from where they left off.

Bafana Ba Dijabane had a splendid second round of the season posting impressive results under guidance of Leutlwile Tshireletso, which led them to the top of the log until the final week.

They slipped against Matebejana allowing CrackiT City Polar to the first spot, but the latter were eventually eclipsed by Matebele on the final day.

Gaegopolwe said their log position in the second round motivated them to challenge for league honours.

The team assembles some of the top names in the game, including former Orlando Pirates players Sifiso Myeni and Rooi Mahamutsa.

Other players to look up to include former Mogoditshane Fighters marksman Enerst Tawadzadza, Lucky Mokoena, Bobby Motlhabankwe, Bogosi Nfila, Bonginkosi Gumede and Senatla Molefhe. Ends