Champagne time for Young Stars?
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday May 3, 2024 13:47
The log leaders need a victory against Mochudi Centre Chiefs tomorrow to secure their trophy and a first ever promotion to the Botswana Premier League (BPL).
Stars will play in front of their home supporters looking for their 15th win of the season.
They have opened a seven-point lead at the top of the table between them and Union Flamengo Santos who sit in position two. With only three rounds of matches left before the end of the season, the Andrew Tlou-led side carries a +28 goal difference, 23 more than Santos, making their chances for the championship even more brighter. Against Magosi, they face a side that has been unpredictable this season; blowing hot and cold. As it stands, Magosi’s promotion ambitions have been shattered following their 2-0 loss to Extension Gunners last weekend.
With only nine points to play for, the Kgatleng giants can only reach 33 points, falling short of making it to the play-off spot. However, they have vowed to fight until the end to get their four points back. The league committee recently docked Magosi four points for failing to remit gate takings but are hoping that they get the points back to boost their chances of finishing second. However, Magosi remain a threat to Young Stars’ party mood. It remains to be seen if they will be able to shut the door at the back for Young Stars’ attackers who have scored a combined 41 goals thus far this season. Striker, Serati Semadi, has scored 14 goals this season and is the division's leading goal scorer. His teammate, Botsile Kebaikanye is third on the list with seven goals, two less than Gunners' Thuso Keraetswe’s tally.
Santos host Notwane at the Gabane United ground in what also promises to be a thrilling match considering what is at stake for both sides. A loss or draw for Santos could automatically hand the trophy to Young Stars even if the latter fail to win against Chiefs. What will then remain for Santos will be to battle for the play-off spot, a position they currently occupy.
As it stands, Santos’ only threat remains City Polar, who are sitting in third position, three points less. Against Notwane, Santos face a side that is battling for survival. Toronto are just two points away from the relegation position and will be hoping that the 2-0 win over Prisons XI last weekend was the start of a positive move towards surviving the dreaded axe.
Black Forest and City Polar face each other with Forest battling relegation while the latter eye a play-off spot.
The Black Forest Arena will be the battleground.
Failure to register a victory for Black Forest might see them drop to the relegation position if Desert Nxau win their match against Tlokweng United. Mogoditshane Fighters will get the chance to watch the weekend proceedings from a distance as they will only play their sink-or-swim match against UB Hawks next Wednesday. All the matches kick off at 3:30pm.