The Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) Northern League is set for a thrilling conclusion after another action-packed weekend of fixtures in Serowe left the race for the Top Four Championship wide open.
Six matches, including five men’s league encounters and a Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) friendly, were played at the Serowe College indoor courts, with teams battling for crucial points ahead of the final round of the regular season.
Speaking in an interview, Northern League Secretary General Simangaliso Nawa described the weekend as another success, highlighting the growing competitiveness of basketball in northern Botswana.
“The basketball in the north is very competitive. We had very good quality games throughout the day and the support from spectators was encouraging, although we would still like to see bigger crowds,” he said.
Nawa noted that the league has continued to embrace digital broadcasting, with several of the matches streamed live on the Botswana Basketball Association’s YouTube channel, allowing supporters across the country to follow the action.
The weekend produced several convincing performances. Maun Delta Spirit recorded two emphatic victories, defeating Palapye BIUST Trojans 77-49 before producing the biggest win of the round with a commanding 129-42 triumph over Selebi-Phikwe Knights.
Francistown Heart City also maintained their strong form, overpowering Serowe Reptiles 82-39 in the men’s competition, while Orapa Juggernauts collected two important victories after beating Selebi-Phikwe Knights 60-41 and overcoming BIUST Trojans 66-57.
In the women’s exhibition fixture, Francistown Heart City comfortably defeated Serowe Reptiles 33-7 as preparations continue for the expansion of the Women’s National Basketball League.
According to Nawa, the introduction of women’s fixtures has been one of the league’s biggest achievements this season.
“We have added games for the ladies, meaning there are now more matches across both gender groups. At the moment they are playing friendlies as they prepare to officially join the national league next season.”
He added that more women’s teams from Maun and Palapye are expected to participate in the coming weeks.
Beyond the addition of women’s basketball, Nawa said the Northern League has experienced significant growth compared to last season. More players have joined the competition, additional rounds have been introduced, and several clubs have strengthened their squads by recruiting players from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The increased quality has translated into one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.
“The race for the Top Four has never been this close. Teams placed third, fourth, fifth and sixth are all fighting for those positions, and it is likely to go down to the final games,” he said.
While Francistown Heart City remain among the league’s leading sides, Nawa said every remaining fixture carries major significance as teams battle for qualification to the Northern League Top Four Championship. The tournament will determine the Northern League champions as well as the two teams that will advance to the National Championships to face the best sides from the Southern League.
Nawa also appealed to businesses and potential partners to support the league, saying sponsorship would ease financial pressures on community-based clubs while helping expand basketball across northern Botswana.
“Most of these are community teams that keep young people engaged through playing, coaching, administration and media. We welcome stakeholders who want to partner with the Northern League and help grow both basketball and their brands in the northern region,” he said.
