After more than a decade of playing in the dusty grounds of the first division, Prisons XI have finally earned themselves promotion to the premier league. The ‘Warders’ premiership drought was put to an end through the expertise of coach Phillimon Makwengwe who is also the former BFA senior technical officer.
Since the beginning of the season, Makwengwe has been optimistic that his charges would be promoted. Prisons finished the Debswana First division South league on the second spot and had to go for promotional playoffs to decide who between them and the number two from the Debswana First Division North, Sua Flamingos will gain promotion.
Prisons XI emerged the better team against Sua Flamingos over the weekend after they won 2 – 2 on aggregate. Prisons won the first leg by 2 – 1 when they played away and lost 1-0 at home at SSG Grounds. Prisons join BR Highlanders and Notwane on the journey to the premier league while Sua remains in the lower division.
In an interview with Telegraph Sport, Prisons XI coach Makwengwe said he was happy with the performance of the team. “I am happy for the team because this is one of the teams that are being marginalised because people think it is an institutional team. The team does not have resources that allow them smooth campaign in the league. I am happy because despite all the struggles the boys managed to pull through and fight hard to win. I am delighted we have gained promotion into the elite league.”
Makwengwe described the just ended season as hectic and tiresome. “I was depressed for most of the season because the management did not approach me after my previous contract with the team.” According to the coach the team’s top brass could have approached him three months before the end of the previous contract.
As for the challenges they faced, Makwengwe said “most of our players are schooling and it was difficult to have them on time in preparation for the games.”
