FRANCISTOWN: Following the conclusion of the first round of the men's basketball league, clubs have been given a mid-September deadline to beef-up their squads.
The league committee chairperson, Kabo Khama said the mid-season transfer window will close before the second round begins.
"The first round ended over the weekend and that marks the opening of the transfer window that will run until the league resumes in mid September," he said. So far, no player has moved since the window opened on Monday. However, Wabo Seloka of Police is expected to be among the first to move, switching to Splinters after relocating from Francistown to Gaborone.
"We are expecting to register the first move from Police as Seloka transfers to Splinters. However, we do not expect a busy window, compared to what has been seen in football. Most of the players who move are tertiary students," Khama said.
Meanwhile, Cadets, Splinters and Eagles showed marked improvement in the first round while the once mighty BDF V faltered.
Francistown side, Splinters go into the break with only two losses after claiming impressive victories against giants, Police and Flames. Splinters were suspended last season for failure to honour fixtures but have come back recharged.
Troopers dominated the first round and finished top after winning all their nine matches. Eagles are making a bold statement after a disappointing campaign last season, which saw them finish in the bottom half. They are third with 13 points after four wins in nine games. Cades sit second behind Troopers with 14 points. BDF V find themselves struggling with only one win in nine matches.
In the women's competition, the last matches of the first round takes place this weekend with Police top of the standings with nine points after winning four of their five games.
NIIT are second with seven points. On Saturday, bottom placed Relics face leaders Police with BDF V playing NIIT at the SSKB courts.