Highlanders concede defeat

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Friday May 10, 2013 00:00

 

But even if BR Highlanders were to win the remaining games, the Mahalapye based side will not be safe as they can only amass 22 points, not be enough to save them.  One of their remaining games is against defending champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs who demolished them 9-1 in the first round. Currently the team is languishing at the bottom of the log with nine points. 

Gaining promotion to the Premier League was a baptism of fire for the Mahalapye based side, which so far has only won two games out of 26.  BR Highlanders, who were the runners-up in the First Division North League, were promoted at the last minute together with Notwane.  This was after the Botswana Football Association (BFA) expelled Police XI and Security Systems for failing to pay subscription fees.   It is now clear that BR Highlanders were never ready for the Premier League. 

On Saturday, BDF XI virtually drove the final nail into the side, walloping them 2-0 at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks grounds. BR Highlanders manager, Witness Phuthego, admitted that they were not ready for the Premier League.  In his view, it was already late when they were told about their admission to the elite league.  Initially BR Highlanders had failed to gain promotion through the play-offs.

Phuthego said they had not recovered since the league kicked off.  'We needed time,' he said.  Actually the team was not ready for the Premier League and its rigours.To compound the situation, the team was travelling for every game since there is no stadium in their hometown.  He said travelling took its toll on their players.  But Phuthego does not regret their short-lived stay in the Premier League.  'We have learnt our lessons.  We have realised what is needed in the Premier League,' he said.   

During the January transfer window, BR Highlanders went on a spending spree, recruiting a number of players in a bid to boost the squad. Phuthego said it took time for the new players to get used to playing together.  Once they were promoted to the Premier League, the team appointed former Miscellaneous' coach, Teenage Mpote. 

However, the results were still not forthcoming in the second round.However, Phuthego has not lost hope. He said when they get to the First Division, they are unlikely to lose any of their players including the coach, which should make it easier for the team to bounce back.  'We are united even though the team has not been doing well,' he said.