The Be MOBILE Premier League is heading for the finishing line with holders Township Rollers firm favourites to retain the title. The relegation battle appears to be far from decided and is likely to be decided on the final day. In the field of play, there have been some players who have excelled beyond expectations for their sides. This week, TSHEPO MOLWANE picks the best eleven players for Sunday Standard’s team of the season.
Kabelo Dambe
Township Rollers’ goalkeeper has been in outstanding form for his club and if Mapalastina retain the trophy, they will have this young boy to thank. Under the tutelage of trainer Thabo Motang, Dambe has developed into a top-notch goalkeeper and already some people tip him to replace Zebras’ first-choice goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo. The most important thing is for him to remain level headed.
Mpoeleng Mpoeleng
Since being handed the captain’s armband at Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Mpoeleng has been a marvel to watch. He has been a true leader for Magosi this season, even when things were not going well for the Kgatleng giants. He has remained cool, calm and collected and has played a big role in the sudden rise of Magosi in the second round.
Edwin Olerile
He is the best fullback in the country at the moment, and the pick of this selection as player of the season. Outstanding on the left-back position for Township Rollers, Olerile has scored some great goals as well this season. He is a modern fullback who has contributed more assists than any other player in the Rollers’ line-up in this campaign. After the unexpected departure of captain Joel Mogorosi for Chiefs in January, Olerile was handed the captain’s armband and he has performed his duties well. He has been rewarded with a call-up to the national team.
Agisanyang Ramaabya
The most underrated defender in the league, Ramaabya has been in a sterling form for his side. His combination with Desire Bafana at the heart of the Notwane defence has not gone unnoticed. When he was signed from Police XI, most of Notwane supporters questioned the decision, but he has not let that disrupt his focus.
Mompati Thuma
Compared to his performances last season, Thuma was not his usual self this season but still deserves a place in the team. BDF XI is lucky to have him, though he missed some of the games due to his unhealthy relationship with the technical team.
Lawrence Majawa
The Malawian international is the best anchorman in the country and just like Dambe, without him, Rollers would not be in the same position they are at the moment. A disciplined player whom most of younger players in the league can learn a lot from him. To show his class, he has been called to the national team which played Togo in the 2012 AFCON qualifiers yesterday. He has also shown that he is a utility player, featuring in three different positions this season.
Joel Mogorosi
His departure from Rollers shocked the football fraternity especially that he has contributed immensely to the success of Mapalastina this season. He had scored 12 goals for Rollers before jumping ship to Chiefs and still commands a huge respect amongst Rollers’ fans. His speed has continued to terrorise opposition at Chiefs. He’ll be best remembered for the two goals he scored against Rollers shortly after joining Chiefs last month. It was a game which tested Mogorosi’s character and he came tops as his side ran away 3-2 winners.
Godfrey Ngele
This player remains one of the most unsung stars of Botswana football but he has played a big role at the heart of Uniao Flamengo Santos’ team this season. His pace and eye for goal has made him one of the outstanding players in the league. His combination with his younger brother, Mogakolodi, has of late made people take notice of his talent. He was recently called for a friendly game against Namibia in Maun.
Moemedi Moatlhaping
He is completely a new player after a disappointing spell last season and credit has to go to coach Rahman Gumbo who stuck with him despite some doubting Thomases. He rewarded Gumbo’s faith in him by rattling the net almost every weekend. His 23 goals for Chiefs this season has seen the Mochudi outfit rising to the second spot. If he scores few goals in the last six games of the season, he stands a chance of winning the Green Boot Award.
Sekhana Koko
What a season it has been for the ever-smiling Rollers’ nippy forward. Since December, Koko has produced some fine moments in the league and has made himself a nuisance to the defenders. He has made Francistown Stadium a happy hunting ground for himself, scoring seven goals there (four against TASC and three against ECCO). His exclusion from the national team which travelled to Chad remains a mystery as he is the hottest property at the moment.
Galabgwe Moyana
The former Notwane left-winger has come to the party for Magosi this season. On his day, Moyana has proved to be a headache for defenders and will be best remembered for his trade-mark free kicks this season which have left most goalkeepers bemused. Despite a star-studded squad, Moyana has continued to command a regular place in the Chiefs’ line-up.
