12 Oct 2023

Daggers are drawn as the Debswana First Division South and North League season kick off on Saturday.

The race for promotion in the second tier league campaigns down south will undoubtedly prove to be a tight contest as former premier league giants in the mold of Extension Gunners, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Notwane, Prisons XI, Mogoditshane Fighters and Union Flamengo Santos are all seeking to bounce back to the elite league.

In an undoubtedly top drawer fixture URI Black Forest have a tricky task in welcoming bruised Gunners to the Black Forest Arena.Black Forest survived the chop to the lower ranks last season owing to VTM FC victory at the promotional playoffs.

They face a battered and bruised side that tasted a drop to the lower ranks since the super league inception in the early 80s. Gunners trip to Mmankgodi maybe the beginning of a life changing sojourn, a little journey of the road to Damascus.

Some of the new faces set to make their debuts include among others Boyo Lechaena, Rorisang Leburu, Goitseone Bokhutlo and Buang Dithebe. Magoleng as Forest are fondly called will rely on the experience of pre-season signings and experiences duo of Michael James Andrew Shadreck.

Owing to their failed venture at death last season City Polar lie in wait for Jwaneng Young Stars in Ramonaka.

Mochudi Centre Chiefs travel to Tsabong VDC grounds to look for a perfect start to this grueling season. Prisons XI who were relegated from the premier league last season face a tough opener as they travel to the Gabane United ground to face Flamengo Santos.

Notwane FC started last campaign on the right footing and if the harbour any ambitions this season then their ambitions are met with an early stern test against the youthful UB Hawks at the University of Botswana Stadium.

Mogoditshane Fighters will lie in wait for visiting Tlokweng United at the Mogoditshane ground.

Meanwhile, it is shaping up to be an exciting football season for football fans in northern part of the country.

It is going to be a thrilling ride as teams vie for promotion to the elite league. Will the big guns maintain their dominance, or will one of the underdogs rise up and surprise everyone? The stage is set for an epic season, with fans eagerly awaiting the first whistle tomorrow.

The tension between Francistown-based Calendar Stars and Peacemakers FC from Bobonong is sure to make for an electrifying match.

The two teams have been in the league for sometimes with Peacemakers having arrived three years ago but Calendar Stars have only lost two players, with Onkarabile Caiphus having gone for further studies and one but not regular player having signed in by Motlakase FC.

With bragging rights and local pride on the line, both teams will be looking to win and come out on top.

With the Caledron grounds set to host the epic showdown, the atmosphere is sure to be electric, with fans from both sides looking to make their voices heard.

Still on Saturday, Sankoyo Bush Bucks from Maun and Mbalakalungu FC from Chobe will also lock horns at Prisons grounds in Kasane in what is believed to be one of the mouth-watering games of the weekend.

The two teams are also not new to the league, and they are certainly not to be underestimated to be candidates for the league.

Mbalakalungu have a dynamic attacking players who can score from anywhere on the pitch. Meanwhile, Sankoyo have put together a well-rounded squad with experience and youth.

Green Lovers FC from Serowe and BR Highlanders FC from Mahalapye are two clubs with plenty of experience that will also meet this weekend.

It is one of the weekend’s evenly matched game, with both teams having something to prove.

Tsabotlhe Football Club will travel to Mahalapye to meet Santa Green Football Club at Pekenene grounds whilst Makungulupeswa Football Club from Sebina/Nshakazhogwe will receive Pilikwe Football Club from Pilikwe at Nshakazhogwe grounds.

Chadibe Football Club from Chadibe will travel to Palapye to face Motlakase Football Club. These first games of the season are crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the campaign. Will the favourites live up to expectations, or will an underdog surprise everyone?  ENDS