*Top two clash in First Division South
Saturday is set to be a defining day in the Debswana First Division South as the top two teams clash in Mogoditshane.
The race for promotion to the Premier League took an unexpected twist last weekend when league-leader’s Masitaoka suffered a 1-0 loss at home to relegation-threatened Jwaneng Fighters.
The result, Masitaoka’s first defeat after a run of seven consecutive victories, combined with Mogoditshane Fighters’ emphatic 3-1 destruction of Matebejana means Maja Tlhaga’s lead at the top is down to just two points.
It adds even more weight to a fixture that pits the league’s best defence – Masitaoka have conceded eight goals in 15 outings – against its best attack – Mogoditshane have found the back of the net 21 times.
The last time the two sides met, back in October, Mogoditshane ran out 2-1 winners. Another close contest is expected at the dusty Solomon Dihutso grounds on Saturday.
Speaking to Voice Sport this week, respected local pundit Kagiso Phatsimo admitted that, with seven games still left to play, the title race is too close to call.
Phatsimo was quick to praise the high-flying Molepolole outfit, who only secured their place in the second tier at the start of the season by buying Black Peril’s league status.
“Masitaoka has been the most impressive team in the league thus far. Their coach, Nelson Olebile, is calm and knows exactly what he is doing!” noted Phatsimo, describing Maja Tlhaga’s loss to Jwaneng as ‘an eye-opener’.
Turning his attention to a Mogoditshane side looking to return to the elite league after a seven-year absence, the footie expert said, “I cannot rule out Fighters because they are one of the most experienced team when it comes to First Division Football.”
As for Saturday’s top of the table encounter, Phatsimo expects the league leader’s to claim the points.
“It is entirely upon Masitaoka to bounce back to winning ways but it is not going to be easy against Fighters. It is a tough match to predict but I foresee Masitaoka walking away with this one.”
As for the state of the First Division South, an impressed Phatsimo said, “I think FDS is better organised than the BTC Premiership, where there are constant and unnecessary changes of fixtures. The quality that we see every weekend [in the FDS] encourages fans to come to the matches – the grounds are always packed!”
A big crowd is certainly anticipated for a showdown in the south with potentially epic consequences.
FDS WEEKEND FIXTURES
(All games to be played Saturday)
Jwaneng Fighters v Ncojane Young Stars
Holy Ghost v Mochudi Rovers
Mochudi Centre Chiefs v Matebejana
Broadhurst United v Black Forest
Union Flamengo Santos v Red Sparks