Eyes on Gunners, Chiefs as FNB Premiership kicks off
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Wednesday September 25, 2024 13:02
The league was originally scheduled to begin last weekend but following the new change of guard at the mother body, Botswana Football Association (BFA), the kick-off was deferred by a week. While many football fans are excited about the Friday blockbuster fixture between city traditional rivals, Gaborone United (GU) and Township Rollers, others are eager to see how prepared the returnees, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Extension Gunners are. The two sides, who boast an incredible support base have been swimming in the dusty lower division. But miraculously returned this season after buying statuses. Before they relegated, both sides experienced familiar challenges centred around power struggles and financial troubles. Despite both sides successfully managing to spend some incredible amounts in securing the Premier League statuses, they have remained mum on the faces behind their promising comebacks.
However, both Magosi and Mapantsula have been busy in the transfer market which closed on Friday. They have also been very busy taking part in several pre-season tournaments and friendly matches. Chiefs in particular announced the signing of at least 15 new players just few days after their Premier League return was confirmed. They also managed to recruit former Eleven Angels coach, Seemo Mpatane, who heads the technical team. Ahead of the start of the season, Magosi are probably oozing with confidence following the weekend’s victory against rivals, Rollers, in a friendly match played at the Royal Aria stadium on Friday night. Although both sides used the encounter as a warm up for the start of the season, Magosi’s victory has already set tongues wagging between the two sets of supporters. The two sides have been fierce rivals on and off the pitch in the last 20 years. Chiefs kick-off their season with an away fixture to Morupule Wanderers on Saturday.
They have made it clear that they will not want to put themselves under unnecessary pressure in their first season since they returned. A top eight finish is what they have set their eyes on and with experienced campaigners like Pako Gaofose and Thabo Wetshoemang, football pundits believe they have what it takes to achieve the feat. Gaofose scored the only goal on Friday when they beat Rollers. Despite his nomadic habits, Gaofose has proven to be among the most consistent attacking players in the league. Gunners on the other hand roped in experienced gaffer, Mike Sithole, to assist in rebuilding the once dominant force in local football. While bringing in new fresh legs into the squad, the Peleng giants have also decided to retain some of their experienced players to help in the re-building process.
This past weekend, Mapantsula announced contract extensions for captain, Ofentse Nato and defender, Thato Bolweleng while also confirming the signatures of Patrick Kaunda (striker), Kgopolo Gasemele (winger), Tlhalefo Molebatsi (midfielder) and Baokeditswe Talane (midfielder), among others. They kick-start their return in the elite league against visiting side, Sua Flamingoes on Saturday. Meanwhile, new comers Chadibe FC will make their Premier League debut with an away fixture to Orapa United on Saturday. Union Flamengo Santos return to the elite league with an away fixture against Security Systems.