- The league says the opening week provided a positive foundation despite pre-season uncertainty and an early fixture setback involving Township Rollers
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Botswana Football League has described the opening week of the 2026/27 FNB Premiership as encouraging, saying the response from clubs, players, supporters and other stakeholders has demonstrated strong appetite for top-flight football.
BFL spokesperson Mosimanegape Tshoswane made the assessment in an interview at Lekidi Football Centre, following the opening fixtures of the new campaign.
“We are impressed with the first week of the FNB Premiership. The season started at a time when there were many doubts, questions and uncertainty from different stakeholders, but what we witnessed during the opening week has been encouraging,” Tshoswane said.
He said the opening week had provided a positive foundation for the competition, while pointing to the level of competition and commitment displayed by teams that took to the field.
The opening round saw Nico United emerge as the early leaders of the league standings, collecting three points from one match after scoring three goals and conceding one.
Police XI are second, also on three points, following a 2-0 victory, while Gaborone United sit third on three points. Extension Gunners complete the top four.
Sua Flamingoes and Tonota FC also registered victories in their opening fixtures, collecting three points each.
Rollers Challenge
The BFL’s positive assessment comes against the backdrop of an early fixture disruption involving Township Rollers and Jwaneng Galaxy.
The match could not be completed after Rollers arrived with only seven players available. Within the first five minutes, one of those players sustained an injury, leaving the club unable to continue and resulting in the fixture being called off.
Tshoswane linked the situation to the registration challenges facing Rollers, saying FIFA-related restrictions have prevented the club from registering additional players.
“The situation is linked to the current registration challenges facing Township Rollers, which have prevented the club from registering additional players due to the FIFA-related restrictions affecting the club,” he said.
“We understand the concerns surrounding the matter, and we are on it. We are engaging with the relevant stakeholders and are working to address the situation appropriately.”
BFL Commitment
Tshoswane said the league’s responsibility was to ensure that the competition operated within the applicable rules and regulations while supporting clubs in dealing with challenges that could arise.
He acknowledged the importance of having teams adequately prepared and able to fulfil their fixtures, but maintained that the first week represented a positive start.
The BFL, he said, remained committed to improving the league, strengthening its operations and delivering a professional and competitive competition.
“We remain confident in the direction of the competition and committed to improving the league, strengthening its operations and delivering a professional, competitive and exciting FNB Premiership that Botswana football can be proud of.”