Teams prepare for final stretch
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 11, 2016 11:31
Log leaders Township Rollers were in Rustenburg, South Africa for a mid season tour which saw them lose 4-3 to Absa Premiership side, Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg. One notable absentee from the Rollers squad was attacker Kobamelo Kebaikanye who is linked with a move away from the club after only nine appearances in the first half of the season. Extension Gunners and Gilport Lions have been mentioned as Kebaikanye’s possible destinations.
Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy began preparations for the second round last week Tuesday with players from both sides spending time in the gym to improve fitness.
In Maun, only eight players and four trialists pitched up for training during Sankoyo Bush Bucks’ first training sessions. The financially-troubled side is set to lose key players like Basimanebotlhe Moilwa, Morris Ruzivo and Thero Setsile due to financial turbulence. ‘Ngurungu’ is yet to play a friendly as they struggled to assemble a full squad.
Former champions, Gaborone United (GU) returned to training last Monday and were involved in a friendly match with Lions, which they lost 3-0. GU is under the watchful eye of George Mogopodi and veteran Stephen Maposa.
The country’s Indian Super League export, Ofentse Nato is training with the side as he seeks a loan move until the end of the season. Moyagoleele will introduce their new coach to the players this afternoon. The club is reportedly chasing wingers Lemponye Tshireletso and Kabelo Seakanyeng as they want to beef up their squad. Defending champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs are having a rather quiet transfer window.
The Kgatleng giants’ training sessions have been conducted by former player Michael Mogaladi, as head coach Mike Sithole and his assistant Keitumetse Paul were on leave due to various reasons. Paul was on sick leave while Sithole was said to be handling personal matters. Magosi are said to be chasing Nico United’s Arnold Mampori’s signature. In Selebi-Phikwe, both FC Satmos and Nico United were back to their stretching routines in the past week. Nico United have invited a number of trialists among them Sankoyo’s attacking midfielder, Kutlwelo Mpolokang.
The side is yet to appoint a head coach after Wesley Mondo quit the post last week. Majomobolo have since promoted Monametsi ‘Sunday’ Kelebale to the technical bench. A number of friendly games were played over weekend.
Lobatse-based side, Gunners beat South African Varsity league side North West University 3-1. A brace from veteran striker Moemedi Moatlhaping and a goal from Mogomotsi Mokoka gave the Peleng boys victory. At Itekeng Stadium, Orapa United and Miscellaneous played to a 2-2 draw while Chiefs lost 2-1 to rookies, Jwaneng Galaxy at Chiefs grounds in Tlokweng. Gilport Lions hammered GU 3-0, with goals from Unobatsha Mbaiwa, Lebogang Ditsele and new signee Joseph Keitseng. Meanwhile, the Premier League office opens today and clubs are expected to register their new players as they prepare for the second round of the season.