05 Jun 2022

Mmopane-based First Division South outfit, Holy Ghost, has been promoted to the Botswana Premier league.

This followed Holy Ghost’s 3-1 victory over Taung Young Strikers Saturday afternoon.

The day started with Holy Ghost’s closest rival, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, also facing the possibility of being crowned champions as the two sides played their last league matches tied on 42 points apiece.

However Chiefs’ slim victory against Red Sparks in Tlokweng was not enough.

Chiefs’ dream of automatic promotion was eventually shattered and will have to dig deep against high flying Eleven Angels in the play off for a place in top flight football league.

A solitary goal by on form Khumoetsile Kufigwa late in the second half ensured all the maximum points for Magosi and set them a tricky date with Francistown based Angels in the promotional playoffs.

At the Holy Ghost Park, Ishmael Amponsah’s brace in the second half played a significant role in ensuring the Holy Boys smooth trajectory into the elite league.

They, however, survived a scare after Taung Young Strikers showed little respect for the league champions in the first half.

Taung’s attacking midfielder, Motsumi rose above his marker to cancel out Teddy Gunda’s early strike that separated the two sides.

Amponsah could have extended his team’s lead after dispossessing a defender deep in Taung’s half, but made a wrong choice with only the goalkeeper at his mercy.

The visitors resorted to resolute defending with the marauding Holy Boys shooting from all angels in a desperate attempt to beat the clock. 

Towards the hour mark, Amponsah’s luck finally arrived when he controlled brilliantly and slotted past Taung keeper. 

Amponsah completed his brace 10 minutes later after his spilled shot was tapped back to his path and he easily slotted to put the game beyond reach.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Holy Ghost coach Oupa Kowa said the team’s last two games were full of doubt and uncertainty due to poor officiating.

“We are here now and we are happy. It has been a long journey. After our loss to Chiefs, the boys were concerned about what was happening to our rivals. I said to them we are playing us, we can only lose against us, the goal is to win the league,” he added.

Kowa said their plan in the last games was more of a mental challenge than just football tactics. 

He said they were now going into a more competitive league and were to make changes to get tested.

In other league games played on Saturday, Matebejana beat Motaung Young Fighters 1-0, Santos hammered Broadhurst United 3-1, Mochudi Rovers beat Tlokweng United 3-0 while Black Forest and Matebele shared the spoils. Ends