YOUNG STARS EYES AUTOMATIC PROMOTION
Table topping National First Division South (NFDS) side, Jwaneng Young Stars’ relentless pursuit to get automatic promotion to the Botswana Football League (BFL) took yet another giant leap with a 1-nil victory over struggling Prisons XI this past weekend.
Jwaneng based side struck late on the 89th minute at SSG grounds on Saturday to consolidate their grip on the top sport as former BDF XI striker, Serati Semadi once more showed his scoring prowess.
An impressive first half of the season has seen Andrew Tlou’s side accumulate 25 points out of possible 33 after registering eight (8) wins, one (1) draw and two (2) losses and are six points adrift of second placed Union Flamengo Santos.
Free scoring Young Stars’ impressive attack led by Semadi registered 26 goals in 11 matches and only conceded eight goals, the lowest tally in the league alongside Mochudi Centre Chiefs—who themselves are 10 points behind the leaders.
Speaking to Sun Sport, Andrew Tlou, indicated that anything short of attaining promotion to the BFL this season will be considered a huge failure. “This is a good project, we have Young Stars and we are building a team that can dominate. Oris Radipotsane laid the foundation and
he deserves to be given credit, he did a sterling job. I just brought a bit of energy and breath of fresh air, fresh ideas, I did not change a lot and it is working well for us. We know we have what it takes to be successful, we are happy with our progress,” Tlou said.
Young Stars fell short of getting promotion in 2021/2022 at the promotional play-offs which saw VTM get promoted to First Division, it was then that the management of the team secured the status of Young Strikers to compete in the First Division. “My philosophy is
quite simple, it’s simple football with a high press, we work hard and train a lot and it is rewarding—whether we are losing or winning, I play a high press, this is modern football, if you get it right it is highly rewarding. With the team that I have, if I fail, It’ll be because I’m not good enough, I have everything, I have the resources and the support of the management – I’d not have any excuses, I am competent so there is no room for excuses,” he revealed.
Premier League giants, Orapa United have acquired the services of the team’s attacking duo of Steven Sibanda and Koketso Modisane. Tlou has reiterated that the departure of the two players will not affect their momentum to clinch the championship of the league. “I am happy, they finally achieved their dream, and all the players have a dream of playing in the premier league. I wish them all the best, I trust that they will show their quality and show that they come from a good environment. We have good players and I believe we will find the right profiles to replace them,” he highlighted. Tlou is not a stranger to success in local football, having led Jwaneng Fighters to First Division South in 2017/2018 season. “Our strategy is honestly very simple, it is to keep winning. There will always be pressure, whether you are at the top, mid-table or at the bottom, there’ll always be pressure. We need to stay focused and fight for maximum points,” he shared. The Jwaneng Young Stars coach also revealed that they have used the January transfer window to replace departed players and brought in some experienced players to help them get promotion to the premier league.