In a must-win clash at Francistown Stadium, Matebele emerged victorious over Calendar, claiming a 2-0 victory in a Premier League (Botswana) match on November 2, 2025. The result not only provided much-needed points for Matebele, buoying them further from the relegation zone, but also deepened Calendar's struggles as they remained rooted to the bottom of the standings.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were desperate for points. Matebele, sitting in 15th place with five points from nine matches before this game, needed a spark to ignite their season and break free from a streak of disheartening results. In contrast, Calendar entered the match at 16th place with just two points to their name, having failed to register a win all season. My pre-match prediction hinted at an intense battle between these two struggling sides, and although I hoped for fireworks on the pitch, it was Matebele who lit up the scoreboard instead.
The first half saw Matebele asserting their dominance early on. Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when forward Kgomotso Tlhakwana struck first, scoring his second goal of the season after missing several previous chances throughout games this year. This came as a relief not only to him but also to his teammates and fans who had witnessed too many missed opportunities. The breakthrough energized Matebele and sent ripples of disappointment through Calendar's camp.
Despite falling behind, Calendar did not relinquish hope easily. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer but repeatedly found themselves thwarted by Matebele's resilient defense. Goalkeeper Tshepo Chabedi put on a commendable performance in goal for Matebele, making several key saves that kept his side ahead as Calendar sought desperately to turn around their fortunes.
However, any glimmers of hope for Calendar quickly faded when Matebele added another goal late in the second half. In the 75th minute, striker Mpho Matladi converted a well-placed shot into the back of calendar's net following a swift counterattack that caught their defense flat-footed. With this second goal sealing their fate and extinguishing any remaining flicker of potential comeback for Calendar, it underscored their ongoing difficulties-a sobering reminder of how far they have fallen since starting the season with high expectations.
As time wound down, Calendar faced criticism as frustration mounted among players and supporters alike; tempers flared when defender Phetetso Nkomazana received a yellow card for dissent moments before full-time. Unfortunately for Calendar fans hoping for change, this loss keeps them firmly anchored at two points from eight matches played-a situation bordering on despair as they still struggle to find form or cohesion within their squad.
For Matebele, this victory is a transformative moment that revitalizes their campaign against relegation fears. With now eight points from ten matches played, every single point gained feels monumental as they prepare to face Nico United next week-another contest where three more crucial points are up for grabs.
Looking ahead, both teams face significant challenges going into matchday eleven-while Matebele will aim to build upon this momentum against Nico United at home on November 8th , Calendar will attempt to shake off this bitter defeat when they travel to Morupule Wanderers on the same day looking for what could feel like an impossible miracle: their first win of the season amidst growing doubts surrounding team unity.
As we dissect today's encounter further-the reality is clear: each match carries profound implications not just for league positions but also morale within these clubs fighting tooth and nail against relegation battles that loom ever larger with each passing week.