Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholenyane has guided Botswana side Mochudi Centre Chiefs to another domestic cup final in 2026.

The final of the inaugural African Hero Top 8 Cup will take place on 12 December at the National Stadium in Gaborone, with Centre Chiefs set to face Jwaneng Galaxy in a repeat of the Orange Cup final earlier this year.

Centre Chiefs fell short in that final, losing 2 - 1 to Jwaneng Galaxy, and will now have an opportunity to claim revenge when the two sides meet again for the Top 8 title.

Jwaneng Galaxy booked their place in the final with a 1- 0 victory over the current league leaders, scoring early in the first half before holding on for the win.

Centre Chiefs, meanwhile, staged a remarkable comeback against Sua Flamingoes, who are currently second on the league table.

The Magosi found themselves 2 - 0 down inside the opening 15 minutes, but rallied to score three unanswered goals and secure a 3 - 2 victory after 90 minutes.

Letsholenyane has been in charge of the Kgatleng-based side since 25 September. Under his leadership, Centre Chiefs have played eight matches in all competitions, six in the league and two in cup competitions.

He has won five of his six league matches, with one defeat, while his side has won both of its cup matches.

The result means the Magosi will now face Botswana’s cup specialists, Jwaneng Galaxy, in the final of the Top 8 tournament, the local equivalent of South Africa’s MTN8.

Centre Chiefs General Manager Owe Mmolawa has praised Letsholenyane’s early impact, while stressing that there is still plenty of work ahead.

“We are pleased with Coach Letsholenyane’s start. He has brought renewed energy, direction and competitiveness to the team. His initial results have been encouraging, including three consecutive victories across competitions and qualification for the African Hero Top 8 semi-finals,” said Mmolawa.

The club has also been impressed with Letsholenyane’s approach beyond the results, particularly the way he is working to establish his methods while remaining aligned with the wider identity of Centre Chiefs.

“Beyond the results, we are encouraged by his work ethic, professionalism and the way he is gradually implementing his football philosophy to align with the broader club playing philosophy. Of course, we remain realistic.

“It is still early days, and there is a lot of work to be done. Our expectations at Mochudi Centre Chiefs are high, and we want to see sustained improvement, consistency and ultimately, silverware. We have confidence in him and remain committed to giving him the support he needs to succeed.”

For Letsholenyane, the Top 8 final presents another opportunity to make an immediate impact at a club with a rich history and potentially secure his first piece of silverware since taking charge.

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