28 Apr 2024

Jwaneng Young Stars, fondly known as Dinaletsana in football circles, need just one more win to take the Debswana First Division South League title and gain automatic promotion to the elite Botswana Premier League.

A hard fought 1-0 victory against a resurgent UB Hawks at the VTM Arena on Saturday placed the Jwaneng side in good position to lift the silverware.

With three games to go before the end of the season, Young Stars are perched on pole position with 43 points and need three points to complete their course.

Botsile Kebaikanye restored hope for the visitors when he pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box after poor defending to beat Kabo Ntswaneng with a low powerful drive on the near post.

Hawks coach, Alex Malete had introduced a couple of changes in his starting 11 from their draw with URI Back Forest last weekend. His charges were keen to open their account in the opening exchanges and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half.

Young Stars, fresh from a resounding victory against Extension Gunners in Jwaneng last weekend, failed to string together any passes to open the water tight Hawks defensive wall.

Towards the hour mark, Dinaletsana were keen to add to their tally but were denied by the towering Ntswaneng who had a busy spell as the second half progressed. As the action shifted, Young Stars playmaker, Shaun Theron blew a golden chance to grab an insurance goal for his side when his looping shot braced the upright.

Veteran defender and skipper, Isaac Paeye’s back pass to Isaac Moyo was intercepted, but the effort was blown wide off target to his relief. The homeside made a couple of changes and were quick off the blocks, hitting the woodwork twice with the equaliser wide yawning.

Meanwhile, Union Flamengo Santos continued their impressive run with a slim 1-0 victory against Tlokweng United to cement their second spot and three points ahead of City Polar, who pushed Desert Nxau further into the relegation zone with a 2-0 at Holy Park in Mmopane.

Mogoditshane Fighters revived their survival hopes when they shocked Black Forest 2-1. Extension Gunners beat arch rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs 2-0 at the Old Lobatse Stadium. ENDS