The past two seasons have seen two teams battling in the championship race, which saw the championship being won in the very last matches.
That livened up the league as fans attended the matches in numbers to see for themselves what was going on on the battlefield.
This season looks to be no exception because the teams that have been fighting for honours for the past few seasons have reinforced their squads ahead of 2010/11 season.
They all look like they mean business.
The teams are Township Rollers, Mochudi Center Chiefs and Gaborone United (GU).
Other teams that were once considered to be untouchable have this season failed to hold on to the key players they had who have since departed for other teams.
The most affected teams are Extension Gunners and Uniao Flamengo Santos.
For the past season, they did well and had reinforced instead of losing players.
Gunners lost no-nonsense midfielders, Emmanuel Nlu and goalkeeper Ntungamile Tshoganetso to Nico United.
Their enterprising midfielder, Othusitse Mahube, has since joined Notwane. Santos, on the other hand, have already lost the services of their top striker, Farasai Nyamunamwendo, to Police XI. That has already left a gaping hole and the team is going to struggle this season.
Santos are also on the verge of losing another reliable striker, Mogakolodi Ngele, and quarter back, Thato Bolwelweng, to Rollers.
News reaching Sunday Standard is that the issue might end up at the Premier League’s status committee.
Rollers, however, lost key central defender, Itayi Gwandu, to rivals Mochudi Center Chiefs but did not act swiftly to find his replacement. Nevertheless, the team has some defenders who were warming the bench for most part of last season and this might be a chance for them to grab the opportunity and prove themselves.
Rollers sold their all time leading goal scorer, Terrence Mandaza, to South African Premier League side, Platinum Stars.
Rollers, in turn, poached Center Chiefs striker, Mweuku Mosona, who was the second leading goal scorer behind Mandaza last season.
Rollers also further reinforced their attack following the acquisition of Sekhana Koko from Center Chiefs again.
Koko is more effective operating on the wings and is blessed with pace and dribbling skills. He can also play upfront as a supporting striker.
On the other hand, Center Chiefs are yet to find Mosona’s suitable replacement but the team has several strikers who were bench warmers and this could also be their perfect opportunity to play.
Such strikers are Moemedi Moatlhaping and Keaketswe ‘Mara’ Moloi. The team is also reported to be in a tussle with Notwane for another striker, Pako Moloi.
The case might also go before the status committee.
Centre Chiefs have also since welcomed back into their fold Pako’s elder brother, Pontsho, who was playing for South African side, Bay United. Pontsho would indeed reinforce the midfield with his wizardry, skills and pin point crosses.
He was the engine behind Chiefs when they won the league three seasons ago. He can also play as a supporting striker if the conditions allow. Gaborone United bolstered both their defence and striking force by signing international defender, Mmusa Ohilwe and Thebe Maiketso from BMC. Having gained invaluable experience from international competitions, they might really be a force to reckon with.
On the other hand, the Premier League is starting on a mild note because there will not be bruising weekend matches.
Weekend fixtures are as follows;
Saturday
Tasc vs Miscellaneous (Francistown), Nico vs Motlakase (Selibe Phikwe), Police vs BDF XI (Otse), Extension Gunners vs BMC (Lobatse), Notwane GU (Molepolole), Black Peril vs Township Rollers (UB Stadium).
Sunday
Tafic vs Ecco City Green (Francistown)
Uniao Flamengo Santos vs Mochudi Centre Chiefs (Molepolole)
All matches start at 3pm.
