North and South: A tale of two divisions
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday March 30, 2024 12:14
The Debswana First Division South and North are made up of teams with contrasting backgrounds. The north is largely made up of rookies who have never made it to the top flight save for three, Motlakase Power Dynamos, Sankoyo Bush Bucks, and BR Highlanders. This means only a quarter or 25% of the teams in the north have Premier League experience. These three have had difficult stays in the elite division, almost starting their seasons as relegation favourites. The other nine are unfashionable sides that have never tasted premier football, which has made this season unpredictable.
The promotion of Nico United and TAFIC in recent seasons has left the First Division North a bit light regarding heavyweights. History has favoured former Premier League sides and it is no surprise that Motlakase, Sankoyo and Highlanders are the leading trio in the promotion race. Only two points separate leaders, Motlakase from second-placed Sankoyo and Highlanders in third. After 16 games, Sankoyo and Highlanders have 26 points and an identical goal difference of six. It all points to a familiar face returning to the Premier League from the First Division North (FDN). The north will carry the lightweight tag compared to their counterparts in the south. Only Motlakase has reached the final of a major tournament, after losing out to Extension Gunners in an enthralling 2011 Coca-Cola Cup championship match. That was the closest amongst the crop of the 12 FDN teams came to winning a major trophy.
The trophy cabinet for the rest of the crew largely remains empty. But it is a different tale in the south, littered with fallen giants that have taken their rich history to the dusty grounds. Mochudi Centre Chiefs is undoubtedly the glamour club of the two divisions, having, together with Township Rollers, dominated the Premier League from 2010 until their fall from grace around 2016. Of the 12 First Division South (FDS) teams, a staggering seven have been to the top division. This, compared to the north’s 25%, represents 58% of teams in the south that have been to the Premier League. Other than Chiefs, Notwane and Extension Gunners are the other noticeable brands that have fallen from grace and have taken refuge in the First Division South. It does not look good for four of the seven sides as Notwane, Mogoditshane Fighters, Black Forest, and Gunners are realistically in danger of dropping further into the obscure regional leagues.
Last weekend, Notwane recorded a massive victory after coming from behind to fell Gunners 2-1 and move out of the relegation spot. Notwane are number 10 out of 12, with Fighters swapping places with Sechaba. Fighters, a dominant force at the turn of the millennium, where they won countless trophies, including a hattrick of league titles under the late David Bright, could be well and truly on their way to the regional leagues. Desert Nxau anchors the log and their frequent long travels have expectedly taken their toll. While the FDS has the most decorated sides, it is the unheralded Jwaneng Young Stars that are on the verge of a maiden promotion to the Premier League. City Polar and Uniao Flamengo Santos look set to battle for the promotion play-off spot, which means the Premier League could welcome two new rookies next season.
The FDS is a treasure trove of trophies, with league titles to Notwane, Gunners, Chiefs and Fighters while there are also numerous cup competition triumphs among the decorated but wilting giants.