PROMOTION RACE Prisons XI and Dinare keep pressure high in First Division South

By Tshepo Khoane On Feb 1, 2026

CHASING GLORY: Prisons XI were in a mean mood as they thrashed Tsetseng United 4-0

The First Division South promotion battle is heating up, with Prisons XI and Dinare FC both securing crucial victories on Saturday to keep the race for top spot alive.

At the Prisons Grounds, the league leaders Prisons XI delivered a commanding 4–0 demolition of struggling Tsetseng United. The win, their latest in a string of strong performances, ensured they remain firmly in control of the table with 32 points after Week 14.

The match began with both sides showing intent, but Prisons XI quickly asserted dominance. Tsetseng United held firm until the 41st minute when Mompoloki Samachana broke the deadlock with a well-taken strike. That goal gave the hosts a deserved halftime lead.

DOWNED: It was not an easy match for Tsentseng United who sit bottom in te og standings

Coach Mbikiwa’s men returned after the break with renewed fire, and within two minutes Pako Osupile doubled the advantage. From there, Prisons XI were relentless. Tebogo Mogotsi added two goals in quick succession, sealing a comprehensive 4–0 triumph and sending the home fans into raptures.

Meanwhile, Dinare FC kept their promotion hopes alive with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Taung Young Strikers. The narrow win means Dinare remain just three points behind Prisons XI, sitting second with 29 points.

Elsewhere in the division, Security Systems edged Union Flamengo Santos 2–1, Thamaga Shooting Stars stunned Notwane 1–0, Holy Ghost beat Majweng 1–0, and Jwaneng Young Stars overcame Tlokweng United 1–0. Holy Ghost’s win keeps them in third place on 26 points, still within touching distance of the leaders.

At the other end of the table, Tsetseng United’s defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom with just 5 points from one win and two draws all season.

In the First Division North, Eleven Angels defeated HR Highlanders 2–1, while Sankoyo Bush Bucks secured a 2–1 victory over Motlakase Power Dynamos. The top of the table clash between Tonota FC and Tsabotlhe finished with a goalless draw, living Tonota FC perched at the top with 34 points while Tsabotlhe follows in second with 26 points.

With only eight games left, the battle for promotion in the South is shaping into a thrilling two-horse race. Prisons XI may lead the pack, but Dinare’s persistence ensures the fight is far from over.

In the north, the path is almost looking clear for Tonota FC, who have opened an eight-point gap between themselves and the second-placed Tsabotlhe.