31 Aug 2026

Late local rap star,  ATI’s hit single, “Khiring Khorong,” now turned into a popular stadium chant, “Re Tsile Go Betsa Go Utlwala,” reverberated across the National Stadium eastern Panda stand on Saturday afternoon, as Extension Gunners delivered the scalp of Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

As the fourth official picked up the substitution board to display five added minutes after 90 minutes of an enthralling encounter between Mapantsula and Magosi, supporters of the Lobatse side started singing in unison.

Like a predator about to finish off its kill, the Peleng faithful could sense blood. 

Indeed, a first half Tefo Aleseng goal proved sufficient to hand Gunners their first three points of the 2026-27 FNB Premiership campaign. 

It had been an afternoon of good football as the two sides played an evenly balanced first half.

However, in the second half, Chiefs strongly searched for an equaliser, relentlessly attacked Gunners, forcing them into a low block defensive formation.

South African midfielder, former Orlando Pirates reserves and Sekhukhune United player who has joined Gunners in the off season Miguel Dias, gave Mapantsula shape in the middle of the park.

On the hour mark, the Chiefs rearguard had to block the ball on the line as Gunners forward Kesekile Chivese tried to strike on the counter.

With 20 minutes to spare, there was wave after wave of Chiefs attack and Gunners goalie, Kabelo Dambe had to tip over the bar a ball curled in from the edge of the box by John da Costa in the 72nd minute.

In the 75th minute Magosi captain Mpho  Kgaswane calmly trapped the ball in the box before taking aim at goal, forcing Dambe into a crucial save.

Two minutes later a tricky ball played in from the Chiefs’ right flank, saw Dambe make a one handed save, the ball ricocheting off the post and back into play.

To ease pressure, Gunners managed a counter attack; a Chivese cross locating Pako “Pedro” Gaofose who headed from close range, only for Chiefs goal minder Keeagile Kgosipula to pull off a save.

Phoko e Ntsho, as Gunners are known to their legion of supporters hung on for a hard fought, deserved solitary goal win.

Meanwhile, one of the major talking points from the opening matches of the league was a Township Rollers side, affected by a FIFA transfer ban since October 22 2025.

Popa arrived in Jwaneng with just seven players for their opening fixture against Jwaneng Galaxy. 

The match was called off after just 10 minutes with Popa  down to six men after one of their players went down injured.

On Friday night, back to back champions Gaborone United started their title defence, after scoring a goal in each half by Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Lebogang Ditsele to register a 2-1 win over Prisons XI at the GU Stadium.

In the Saturday action, a Thero Setsile goal gave Premier League debutants Tonota FC an opening day win over TAFIC in Francistown, while fellow top flight newcomers Enesia FC also creditably drew 1-1 away to Orapa United at Itekeng.

Also on Saturday, Nico United defeated BDF XI 3-1, while Sua Flamingos won 1-0 against Matebele FC.

On Sunday, Julius Likontsane penalty and a Lemogang Sefemo goal from open play handed Police XI a 2-0 triumph over Morupule Wanderers on Sunday. ENDS