the monitor

Highlanders, Gilport sink deeper

FACING DREADED AXE: Mahalapye Railways Highlanders PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
FACING DREADED AXE: Mahalapye Railways Highlanders PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The battle for survival in the Botswana Premier League (BPL) continues to throw the bottom three sides deeper into a precarious situation.

Due to the turn of events, Mahalapye Railways Highlanders who are currently rooted at the bottom of the log standings registered a 1-0 loss to Orapa United on Saturday.

With a total of eight matches remaining, the Mahalapye based side have registered only two victories since the season started. The loss to Orapa United spoiled what appeared like a redemption for the team, which has avoided defeat in the last three matches. Following their shocking 3-1 win over Police XI last month, Highlanders went onto play a 0-0 draw against Masitaoka before they played another stalemate with fellow strugglers, Prisons XI. From 22 games, they have collected only 12 points with a goal difference of minus 29.

On another level,Gilport Lions also found themselves on the losing side on Saturday against Gaborone United (GU). They have also only collected 12 points so far, sitting at position 15 on the log. The 3-0 loss to GU was their fifth in the last five matches. Meanwhile, Notwane who have been sitting on position 14 before the weekend matches, slightly moved up the ladder following their 1-1 draw against Extension Gunners yesterday.

Mogoditshane Fighters also still find themselves in the danger zone with 16 points. They however have a game in hand compared to other relegation candidates.

The Brazilians missed out on the BPL action this past weekend because of their engagement in the Orange FA Cup last 48 round. They collected maximum points in their last BPL match against Notwane and moved to position 13. In another development,Thatayaone Kgamanyane finally returned to his scoring ways and moved to the top of the goal scoring charts.

The left footed striker scored a brace when his side, GU brushed aside Gilport Lions on Saturday. He has now scored 14 goals, tied with Thabang Sesinyi who did not score a single goal when his side, Jwaneng Galaxy lost to Security Systems on Saturday. Extension Gunners’ young striker, Kabelo Babusi remains on 13 goals while his team mate, Odirile Lekoba is on 11. Thero Setsile increased his tally to 11 goals when he scored GU’s third goal on Saturday.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up