14 Aug 2025

The FNB Premiership season kicks off on August 15 with exciting opening game between Mochudi Centre Chiefs and BDF XI at the National Stadium.

Teams have been actively signing new player to improve their squads.

Since the First National Bank Botswana came on board as a sponsor with P28.5 million deal over three seasons, the league has become more competitive, drawing fans back to the stadiums. 

All eyes will on Chiefs, who have been among the most active clubs during transfer window.

They have strengthened their team with several signings, including goalkeeper Keagile Kgosipula from Orapa United, dynamic midfielder Theo Shadikong, reliable defender Shanganani Nganda from TAFIC, and former Jwaneng Galaxy playmaker Gilbert Baruti.

This season will be made more interesting by new kids on the block; Black Lions, Police XI, Calendar Stars and Santa Green. 

Lions will be competing in the Premier League for the first time after buying the status of VTM, while Police XI returns to top flight football after one season in the second tier. Stars and Santa Green will be marking their debut in the elite league after gaining promotion from the First Division.

Friday not only marked the start of the league season, but also the day Botswana Football League (BFL) shareholders will appoint the substantive chairperson during the special meeting. It will also be the final day of the BFL CEO Bennett Mamelodi.  

Challenging yet intriguing times await the BFL, as football lovers eagerly anticipate whether the organisation can overcome its current huddles under the new leadership, and what effect would the new broom have on restoring stability to the troubled league.

One thing is certain though, the premier league will surely give Batswana a lot to talk about in the days and weeks ahead. 

However, the league will still face challenges of lack of stadia, and Mamelodi has outlined challenges experienced by the League with regard to stadia, citing delays in the rehabilitation of Sua Town Council Stadium and Francistown Council Stadium. The National Stadium is also scheduled to undergo rehabilitation of the track in preparation for the World Relays. 

IIn other games, on Saturday, Black Lions will play against Sua Flamingoes at Royal Aria Stadium, Township Rollers will face Matebele at GU Stadium, Nico United takes on Extension Gunners at Sam Sono Stadium, Jwaneng Galaxy will host Morupule Wanderers, while Calendar Stars takes Gaborone United at Obert Itani Chilume Stadium.

On Sunday, Police XI takes on Orapa United at VTM Arena, while Santa Green play against TAFIC at Palapye Stadium. ENDS