More fireworks expected in second-tier league
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Saturday July 16, 2022 06:00
Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Mokgwa said they expect an even more entertaining battle next season to see who gains promotion with the arrival of VTM, Black Rangers, Notwane, and Gilport Lions. “I cannot talk much about preparation for next season for now until maybe after officially closing the current one through an annual general meeting (AGM).
However, as things stand, next season promises more fireworks, especially with the arrival of two relegated Premier League sides as well as the promotion of VTM and Rangers. I believe we are going to witness a fierce battle for promotion next season,” he said. Football fans were treated to a spectacular finish in the title race in the just-ended season with crowd pullers, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Holy Ghost battling it out until the last round of matches. In the end, Holy Ghost finished top and secured their first ever promotion to the elite league while Magosi settled for a play-off position.
Magosi's failure to gain promotion through a play-off meant they had to return to a league that already boasted serious potential contenders for next season, being Matebele, Black Forest, Tlokweng United as well as Broadhurst United.
As if that was not enough, the league also welcomed Notwane and Gilport Lions from the Premier League. Notwane will not be entering new territory as they had to go through the same battles not so long ago.
They have the know-how and the fan base to make the league more exciting while Gilport Lions also carry the much-needed experience after campaigning in the Premier League for several seasons. Towards the middle of the second round last season, the league gained popularity among local football fans. The matches involving Chiefs and Holy Ghost, in particular, pulled a sizeable crowd and by the last three rounds of matches, it was clear that the venues normally used to host such matches were not big enough.
This presented safety concerns for the supporters, officials as well as players. With the arrival of new teams, which also enjoy an impressive fan base, the league faces a huge challenge with venues. However, Mokgwa said they will sit down and consider all the factors ahead of the season. He also said the arrival of VTM, which owns a good facility, will help a great deal. “We will consider the fixtures and see if we cannot fixture some of the big matches there in cases where VTM are playing away. Matebele FC are also working on finishing their ground, which will also give us options. It is true that some of our venues are too small to host some big matches and the safety of our stakeholders is always our concern,” he said.
Some clubs have already started preparations with Magosi taking a big step towards professionalism by turning the club into a company. The move is expected to pave way for the club to return to its glory days once it attracts investors. Matebele on the other hand have also started thinking ahead as early as this week when they released several players to pave way for fresh legs.
Among those that have left are former Mogoditshane Fighters and BDF XI striker, Khumbulani Madziba. Debswana First Division South League teams for the 2022–2023 season: Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Black Forest, Black Rangers, Uniao Flamengo Santos, Notwane, Matebele FC, Matebejana, Tlokweng United, Taung Young Strikers, Broadhurst United, VTM FC, and Gilport Lions.