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Ricky Zililo, [email protected]

FORMER Highlanders Football Club players, winger Daniel Msendami and defensive midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku are reveling in glory after winning the Botswana Premier Soccer League title in their debut season with a game to spare.

The duo, who joined Jwaneng Galaxy six months apart for the 2022/23 Botswana Premiership, inspired their club to glory, lifting the title on Wednesday when they beat third from the bottom Holy Ghost 2-0.

The victory took Jwaneng Galaxy’s points tally to an unassailable 69 as they dethroned champions Gaborone United who are on 64 points and can end the season with 67 points if they win their final match.

Nqobizitha Masuku Jwaneng Galaxy

Msendami, who had a fantastic season at Jwaneng Galaxy was the first to land at the diamond-rich side, arriving on loan in July last year before being joined by veteran Masuku in January 2023.

The 22-year-old winger’s exploits in Jwaneng Galaxy’s colours have seen him attracting interests from a  number of South African sides which include Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Msendami who never played a Premiership game for Highlanders before his transfer to Botswana via Central Region Division One Soccer League side Vubachikwe, was elated with his first professional silverware.

“It’s all hard work that has led to such a feat. God has been faithful to me and I’m grateful to the coaches who scouted me at Vubachikwe. 

“This title win should be a motivating factor for all the players who feel overlooked by teams in the Premiership back home. They should never give up but intead keep working hard because when the time is right they will get the break,” said Msendami.

Masuku, who decided to ditch Highlanders for Jwaneng Galaxy, was equally happy.

“I’m happy that I’ve got a championship medal just six months after moving to Botswana. Thanks to the coaches, Jwaneng galaxy management for the support because we did this together. 

“The last few games were really demanding and I’m happy that my experience came in handy especially at the last stages of the championship when I started to play more and help the  team.

“You know, nothing gives satisfaction more than paying back those who believe in you through such achievements as winning the championship. To my teammates who worked hard for this title, I salute you.

“I’ll also want to thank Highlanders for allowing me to leave the club and get a new challenge in Botswana,” said Masuku.

-@ZililoR.