VTM and Chadibe fight for the final promotion spot
The scramble for a foothold into the country’s elite football league continues this weekend with Debswana First Division South runners up VTM FC slugging it out with northern counterparts Chadibe North FC in the first leg of the promotional playoffs at the Chadibe Arena.
With Tafic and Matebejana already confirming their places in the 2023/24 Botswana Football League season, after finishing top of their respective regions, VTM FC and Chadibe North FC will be looking to improve their chances on Saturday in the two-legged duel that will be concluded next weekend in Gaborone.
Chadibe finished in the second position of the first division-north log after defeating Mahalapye Railways Highlanders while VTM defeated Broadhurst United 5-0 in their last league games to qualify for the play offs.
Ambitious VTM this season signed experienced former Orlando Pirates players Rooi Mahamutsa and Sifiso Myeni. The team also has players like Boby Motlhabankwe and Ayanda Molefe who have played in the premier league before.
Speaking to Voice Sport, Chadibe Coach Joseph Banyatsi said planning for a team which he has never seen playing is a challenge. He said preparations are going well and that they had a friendly game with Eleven Angels on Tuesday.
“This is not going to be a walk in the park and my players know what to expect. The morale in the camp is high and everyone is involved during training. I told my boys to remain calm, focused and stick to our game plan. The good thing is that we are playing at home which is an advantage and we will have the support of fans who will boost our morale. I hear their home ground is artificial turf and ours is dusty. We must finish our game home winning with a convincing margin so that when we travel to Gaborone for the second leg, we will have less pressure. I have built a strong and competitive squad and I have no doubt they will take us to the premier league,” said Banyatsi.
For his part, VTM Coach Leutlwetse Tshireletso- said he has been doing research on his opponents’ style of play which helped in his plan for the game.
Oozing with confidence, the VTM gaffer said without any injury worries this weekend, he will be spoint for choice when his charges make the the trip up north.
“An away game is always tricky but we have a plan which I believe, if executed well, we will emerge victorious. It has been a hectic season and our position was decided by the last game and we missed automatic promotion by a point. It is now or never. My boys are motivated and looking forward to the game,” he said.
