High-riding Highlanders eye elite league return

Shingirai Madondo | Friday December 13, 2013 16:31

The team is currently perched at the top of the Debswana First Division North League with 20 points from nine games after winning six, drawing two and losing one. They rattled the net 14 times and conceded six goals.

The teams’ ambition to return to the top league may not be a pipe dream as they are currently five points clear of second-placed Amakhosi of Serowe. On third spot is Sankuyo Bush Bucks from Maun.

Highlanders manager Witness Phuthego told Mmegi Sport this week that after their brief stay in the Premier League last season, they had to take stock of themselves.

He said that the side was doing well in the league because of the cooperation between players, technical team and the sponsors (Botswana Railways).  He said the arrival of Zimbabwean tactician, Paul Moyo, was a God-send as the players respect him a lot and treat him like a father. In addition he has local football savvy.

Phuthego said the team lost some players when it was relegated but that did not have any bad impact as they looked to the second division to recruit replacements.

Some of the players that have joined Highlanders at the beginning of the season are midfielder Mothothubi Omphile and striker Mpho Kgalemang, who are doing well in the quest for promotion.

“We were not ready for the premier league last season as we were inexperienced but playing there was a learning curve “We even realised that it was easy to sell players to teams outside the country.

We intend to use that experience in the First Division,” he said.

Phuthego said they were depending on the experience of stalwarts Dipogiso Metlhaleng, Oteng Legopelo, Samuel Black and Temo Keorileng to guide the youngsters.  He said Botswana Railways was providing the team with everything from transport to other logistics.

Meanwhile the team is are reportedly just tying up some loose ends as the Mahalapye based outfit prepare to sign a Zimbabwean striker, Lucky Vundla.

The talented 21-year-old star is set to be added to the Highlanders’ firepower during the January transfer window period.  “It is true that we have got a Zimbabwean striker at the club.  But we are yet to sit down and deliberate on the issue (of signing a new striker),” Phuthego said.