Lerumo Lions FC coach Tshepo Maphari is targeting a leap into the Betway Premiership in the club’s second Motsepe Foundation Championship season, with automatic promotion his first prize and a playoff berth an alternative route. Maphari has set a clear target for his side in the 2026/27 season following their commendable maiden campaign in the National First Division.
The Sibongile Marokana-owned outfit finished last term in a respectable seventh place on the log with 42 points from 30 matches. Lerumo purchased the status of Pretoria Callies ahead of the last campaign, having previously campaigned in the SAFA North West ABC Motsepe League.
Building on that solid foundation, the North West-based side has made a decent start to the current campaign and currently sits in sixth place on the South African second-tier table with 11 points after seven outings.
TSHEPO MAPHARI ON LERUMO LIONS FC TARGETS
Speaking exclusively to FARPost, Maphari said ambitions in camp are high as they look to break into South Africa’s elite league.
“I made it very clear to the technical team, the players, and the chairlady [Sibongile Marokana] that we want to promote the team this season,” Maphari told FARPost.
“The first target will be achieving automatic promotion, but even promotional playoffs will do. What motivates us is that the level in the National First Division has improved so much. We are very confident that if we do not achieve automatic promotion, we are definitely targeting the playoffs as well. We are not in the league just to play, but also to get promoted.
“However, the main aim is for the team to be playing in the Betway Premiership next season.”
LERUMO LIONS FC’S INTENTIONS BACKED BY MANY SIGNINGS
To underline their intent to challenge for the league honours, Lerumo heavily bolstered their squad during the last transfer window.
The club welcomed several additions, including: Donald Bougo, Victor Santoro, Bongani Nkone, Odwa Nyulu, Mnelisi Mbhele, Mfanelo Khumalo, Nkosi Simelane, Tumisang Mashele, Sizwe Sithole, Aya Sibuta, and Dimakatso Mashao.
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