Gaborone United capped a dominant 2025/26 season in style Wednesday night, emerging as the biggest winners at the FNBB Premiership End of Season Awards.
The Reds, as the team is known, collected seven awards on a night when they were also officially crowned back-to-back league champions.
Midfielder Karabo “Machoni” Phiri was one of the evening’s standout performers, taking home three individual awards: Midfielder of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season. He was also named to the Botswana Football Union Team of the Season.
But the night’s most lucrative award went to his teammate Mpho “Poster Lekwalo” Kgaswane, who won Player of the Season and 100,000 pula. Kgaswane’s consistency played a major role in guiding Gaborone United to another league title.
Head coach Sean Connor was named Coach of the Season after leading the club to successive championships. Goalkeeper Thabo “Lerwaza” Motswagole and defender Mothusi “Lefty” Johnson were recognized as the best at their positions.
At the ceremony, Botswana Football League chairperson Sipho Showa praised the growth of domestic football and highlighted its commercial potential.
“Football is a product that must attract investment and create opportunities for players, coaches, media professionals and communities,” Showa said.
FNB Botswana chief executive Steven Bogatsu reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to football development, calling sport both a social and economic investment. “This season reminded all of us why elite league football remains one of the most compelling sporting products in the country,” he said.
Gaborone United general manager Herbert Letsebe warned rivals that the club’s ambitions extend beyond domestic dominance. “We are not done,” he said. “We want to continue raising the standard even higher next season.”
Phiri, who played in all 30 league matches, said the recognition rewarded hard work and sacrifice. “This season was not easy,” he said. “It took commitment and dedication.”
Elsewhere, Township Rollers youngster Phillip Kaku was named Young Player of the Season. Jwaneng Galaxy striker Thabang Sesinyi claimed the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer.
Referee Thabang Ketshabile and assistant referee Ookeditse Keitseope were also honored.
The Team of the Season reflected Gaborone United’s dominance, with five players from the champions making the final eleven.
