19 Feb 2026

As the race for the FNB Premiership title intensifies, so too are the winds of change continuing to blow through the league contenders’ dugouts and technical setups.

With 19 of the expected 30 matches played this season, the traditional coaching merry-go-round has already taken centre stage. 

The rumour mill is in full swing, with some coaches having already been shown the exit door by their respective clubs.

The saying that a coach is only as safe as his team’s last result holds true in many sports and the Botswana Premier League is no different.

When things go haywire, as they often do at some point in football, debate always arises over where to place the blame after a string of poor results. 

While some point to players and bad influence, others look toward the coach.

There are arguments for both sides, but a team cannot change an entire squad mid-season; therefore, the axe usually falls on the coach.

As the coaching merry-go-round continues to spin, one thing is clear: the FNB Premiiership has become a high-pressure environment.

Currently, all the top three teams on the log have made notable changes in their dugouts midway through the campaign. Interestingly, all the new gaffers at the centre of the carousel are European-born, which could be testament to the growth of the local game.

A notable change is the recent appointment of Dimitar Pantev at Jwaneng Galaxy, replacing Sean Connor, who parted ways with the club amicably on February 12.

On the back of winning a league title with Gaborone United in the 2024/2025 season and an impressive CAF Champions League campaign, the well-travelled Pantev left Moyagoleele for Tanzanian giants Simba SC, only to be dismissed 60 days into the new job.

The Bulgarian tactician returns to Botswana at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Galaxy firmly in the title race and currently at the summit of the standings, tied with Gaborone United on 44 points, separated only by goal difference.

Similarly, Gaborone United (GU) have announced the appointment of Sean Connor as the club’s new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The Irish gaffer takes over from interim head coach Khalid Niyonzima, who oversaw 15 matches and suffered his first defeat last Saturday at the hands of Sua Flamingoes.

Connor is no stranger to the local football fraternity, having steered Matebele FC to the Orange FA Cup semi-final in his maiden Botswana season, and later guiding Jwaneng Galaxy to the FA Cup title and a CAF Confederation Cup spot.

The former Cape Town Spurs technical director is regarded as a highly experienced football manager and holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification in European football. 

Another dark horse in the title race, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, hired new head coach Miguel Corral Torreira, replacing club legend Pontsho Moloi.

The appointment of the 34-year-old Spaniard has been under the spotlight due to his relative inexperience.

Nonethless, the reality of the side’s revival is that the Spaniard has maintained an unbeaten record since taking over.

Torreira’s side has won four of their previous four encounters and drawn one

To his credit, Chiefs are back in contention for Botswana Premier League honours in third position with 37 points, only seven behind pace-setters Jwaneng Galaxy and GU. ENDS