- Clubs make bold moves as the new season approaches
GAZETTE REPORTER
FNB Premiership clubs are intensifying their preparations for the new season (expected to commence on August 30), with several teams strengthening their squads through high-profile acquisitions.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs, popularly known as Magosi, have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market, securing a number of experienced players as they look to build a competitive squad.
The Kgatleng giants have signed Mosha Gaolaolwe from arch-rivals Township Rollers on a two-year contract. The defender, who can also operate in midfield, previously served as vice captain of Rollers and has captained the Zebras on several occasions.
Chiefs have also added midfielder Phenyo Serameng from Sua Flamingoes and Omphile Vissage from Township Rollers, with both players joining on two-year contracts.
The club has further strengthened its attack with the signing of Brazilian centre-forward John Kennedy Xavier da Costa. The 25-year-old arrives with experience from Brazil and India, having featured in competitions including the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D, Paulista A3, Copa Paulista and the Super League Kerala.
Da Costa was the Golden Boot winner in the 2025 Super League Kerala season.
Chiefs are also expected to announce the signing of Gaborone United attacker Mpho Kgaswane on a two-year contract. The club previously confirmed the signing of Zimbabwean attacker Kelvin Ndebele from Morupule Wanderers Football Club on a two-year deal.
Nico rebuilds
Nico United, known as Majombolo, have also been active during the transfer window as they prepare for the new campaign.
The Selebi-Phikwe side has signed striker Onkabetse Makgantai from Jwaneng Galaxy, alongside Karamelo Kgosipula, Kago Monyake, Botshelo Mangena and Freedman Molosi from Township Rollers.
Other additions include Godfrey Tauyatswala from Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Kagisano Mungu from TAFIC.
The club’s recruitment drive comes as teams across the top flight seek to strengthen their squads before the start of the new season.
Tonota additions
Newly promoted Tonota FC have also moved to reinforce their squad ahead of their Botswana Premier League campaign.
The club has signed experienced attacker Thero Setsile, who is expected to add creativity and quality to the team’s midfield.
Born on 8 October 1995 in Maun, Botswana, Setsile has built a career that includes spells with ECCO City Green, Sankoyo Bush Bucks, Jwaneng Galaxy, TS Galaxy in South Africa and Gaborone United.
Tonota have also signed attacking midfielder Mompati Mbidzo from Matebele FC on a two-year deal.
The club announced the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Nonofo “Labile” Dikutu from Matebele FC on a two-year contract. Dikutu has also earned a national team call-up.
Tonota have further strengthened their attacking options with the addition of 23-year-old attacking midfielder and winger Mothusi “Drago” Ipotseng on a two-year contract. The former Police XI, Nico United and Enesia player brings experience and attacking ability to the squad.
The club has also signed 21-year-old forward Otiniel Nsunzu. The striker from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, joins after an impressive spell with Orapa United, where he scored 11 goals in 22 games last season.
With clubs making significant moves before the new season begins, the transfer window is shaping up as one of the busiest periods of squad rebuilding in Botswana’s top flight.