As uncertainty over the number of clubs to be relegated at the end of the season rages on, the battle for survival in the Botswana Premier League (BPL) is intensifying.
Following an international break this past week, league football resumed this past weekend with some exciting encounters. Below is the takeaway from the weekend games;
VTM boosts chances of survival
VTM FC climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2 – 1 win over Morupule Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. Goals by Lucas and Thalefo Molebatsi on either side of Leeroy Mavunga’s well taken penalty were enough for VTM FC to see off a spirited Wanderers’ side.
It was VTM FC’s second win of the season in what is proving to be a challenging debut season. The win has elevated VTM from 14th position to 9th in the Botswana Premiership League (BPL) table standings. The premier league debutants have now collected 8 points from 8 games so far this season. They have won two, drawn two and lost four games.
The win was VTM’s second in a row. Their first win came before the international break when they beat Police XI by a solitary goal. ‘Bafana ba Dijabane,’ as VTM FC is affectionately known, have earned seven (7) of the eight (8) points they have collected thus far from their last four matches.
In the said period, they earned a point in a goalless draw against Township Rollers and lost to Eleven Angels. This was followed by consecutive wins against Police XI and Morupule Wanderers.
Wanderers LostÂ
Wanderers have also not fared any better and have had a rough start to the season. A fortnight ago, the team parted ways with the now late gaffer Rahman Gumbo as they sought to boost their survival chances.
At the time of Gumbo’s dismissal, the Palapye based outfit was yet to win a match despite having played 6 games. They sat at position 15th on the table standings.
The loss against VTM FC has now pushed the Palapye based outfit to the bottom of the 16-team league. After seven (7) outings, ‘Bafana ba Magala’ are yet to register a win this season. They have now drawn three games and lost four.
TAFIC top … for a few hours only
At the end of the 2021/22 season, Philimon Makhwengwe went up north to save TAFIC during the playoffs. A season later at the end of the 2022/23 season, TAFIC was promoted to the BPL.
While TAFIC was fighting for promotion, Makhwengwe was doing a salvage job at Mmopane, saving Holy Ghost. It seems Makhwengwe’s heroics were not forgotten by TAFIC.
Following their promotion, the Francistown based outfit roped him to guide them. The faith in Makhwengwe is now paying off. After their 2 – 1 win over Sua Flamingoes on Saturday, TAFIC found themselves temporarily at the top of the table standings.
Though their stay at the top lasted barely three hours, it was a testimony to the progress TAFIC has made since Makhwengwe took the helm. The team is now perched on position three (3) below Gaborone United (GU) and Township Rollers respectively.
GU, Rollers, Galaxy in the title hunt … who will join them
At the top, the title race looks set to be very close. Currently, GU and Rollers are in position 1 and 2 respectively. Both have accumulated 16 points each having played just 7 games. The only thing separating them is GU’s superior goal difference.
Below them on positions 3 and 4 are TAFIC and BDF XI respectively. The two have amassed 15 points each and like the two above them, they are separated by goal difference. Both have however played one game more than GU and Rollers.
In position 5 is the on form Jwaneng Galaxy. Despite having two games in hand over leaders GU and Rollers, the Debswana sponsored team is just 3 points behind. The defending champions look determined to defend their title. While they will have the extra burden of the CAF champions league games to contend with, coach Morena Ramoreboli’s side is in ominous form and will once again contest the title.
