2023–24 Botswana Premier League Explained

Competition:Botswana Premier League
Season:2023-24
League Topscorer:Thabang Sesinyi
(15 goals)
Prevseason:2022–23
Nextseason:2024–25

The 2023–24 Botswana Premier League season is the 46th season of the Botswana Premier League, the top-tier football league in Botswana, since its establishment in 1966. The season is expected to start September.[1] Jwaneng Galaxy FC are the current title holders from the 2022-23 season.[2]

This season will see four teams relegate instead of the usual two, with only two teams going up from the second tier, namely the Botswana First Division North and Botswana First Division South. This is due to a league re-structuring from the BFA who are planning to decrease the amount of teams from 16 to 12.[3]

League Changes

Newly promoted teams include TAFIC, who won the Botswana First Division North, Matebele FC, the champion of the Botswana First Division South, and VTM FC whom beat Chadibe after a 6-5 penalty victory to ensure promotion.[4] [5]

They replace Prisons XI, Extension Gunners, and Mogoditshane Fighters, who were relegated after the 2022-23 season.

Additionally, a rule change was carried out by the BFA. Before, only international players could be signed when they had played 3 caps for their country. However, after Township Rollers signed three South African players who did not follow the requirements, plus more criticism among the public and football pundits, the BFA decided to withdraw the rule for the 2023/24 season. However, they will start a process to further develop the amendments and rules of the Botswana Premier League.[6] [7]

Teams

!Club!City / Town!Position in 2022-23
BDF XIGaborone10th
Eleven AngelsFrancistown6th
Gaborone UnitedGaborone2nd
Holy GhostGaborone13th
Jwaneng GalaxyJwaneng1st
MasitaokaGaborone7th
Matebele FCMatebelengPromoted
Morupule WanderersPalapye12th
Nico UnitedSelebi-Phikwe11th
Orapa UnitedOrapa3rd
Police XIOtse9th
Security SystemsOtse5th
Sua FlamingoesSowa8th
TAFICFrancistownPromoted
Township RollersGaborone4th
VTM FCGaboronePromoted

Stadiums and locations

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Boranabi . Kabelo . 2023-07-22 . League to kick off in September . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.
  2. Web site: Boranabi . Kabelo . 2023-06-10 . BPL needs additional P5m . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.
  3. Web site: Staff Writer . 2023-07-06 . Sebego baffled by Premier League's decision to downsize . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.
  4. Web site: Dube . Chakalisa . 2023-05-08 . TAFIC back to Premier League . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.
  5. Web site: Makhaiza . Larona . 2023-06-05 . VTM edge Chadibe FC to secure promotion . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.
  6. Web site: Boranabi . Mqondisi Dube,Kabelo . 2023-07-20 . BFA to decide on foreign players rule . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.
  7. Web site: Staff Writer . 2023-07-21 . BFA withdraws controversial regulations . 2023-08-08 . Mmegi Online . en.