26 May 2026

BDF V have enjoyed a stellar start to the Botswana Basketball League (BBL) season following a hard-fought 64-53 victory over fierce rivals Police V at the Ba Isago courts on May 23. 

With this dominant yet resilient performance, the army side immediately secured a spot in the upper echelons of the BBL standings, making their intentions clear as genuine title contenders right from their opening game. The victory is a huge boost for BDF V, who are deeply entrenched in a high-stakes push for Southern Block supremacy against heavyweights like defending champions, Dolphins and last season’s runners-up, Police V.

BDF V started the game on a high note, executing clinical fast breaks to open up an impressive lead in the first half.

However, they nearly architected their own downfall in the third quarter. In a game marred by turnovers on both sides, poor shooting and flaring tempers, Police V mounted a furious comeback.

Led by veteran Thuto Shai, the police side dominated the third period, capitalising on BDF V’s errors to wipe out the deficit and take a six-point lead heading into the final frame.

Faced with adversity, BDF V’s strength and resilience came to the fore. Spearheaded by the offensive discipline of Mpho Pule and One Ramoshoto, the army side clawed their way back, dominating both ends of the floor in the fourth quarter.

Police V ultimately became their own worst enemy in the crunch period, hitting just six-of-14 from the field, including a dismal two-of-eight from three-point range. BDF V locked down defensively and reclaimed the lead and holding tight until the final buzzer.

Meanwhile, the opening weekend produced plenty of action across other courts, starting with Men’s Division One, where Aspire ran rampant over Botho Saints, securing a comfortable 61-37 victory. Meanwhile, Diamond Bullets had to dig deep in Jwaneng to edge past Lions Basketball Club 56-48.The competitive energy carried heavily into Men’s Division Two, where Lobatse Kings secured a narrow 57-51 win against the Sabres and the Glen Valley Tigers registered a convincing 70-58 victory over Elite Men.

In the Women’s League, Police V bounced back from the men’s disappointment, utterly dominating the Platinum Warriors in a 75-23 blowout. ENDS