24 Jan 2023

Jwaneng Galaxy’s gaffer, Morena Ramoreboli, is optimistic that his side will win the premier league.

Currently at the second spot in the log standings with 30 points, just two behind Gaborone United, the Jwaneng-based outfit drubbed sixth placed Masitaoka 4-1 in  Molepolole on Sunday.

For Ramoreboli, it was important for his side to win the match, saying ‘away games are always tough, but we were able to absorb the pressure and take home three points. We learn important lessons with every game so we will continue to use them to prepare for other encounters so that we can eventually win the league.’

He said winning the fixture against Masitaoka was not easy as the latter proved too stubborn and determined to win.

“But we took advantage of their mistakes and scored important goals. Credit to the players who just had to score the beautiful goals they practice during training. I am happy that we stuck to the game plan and won,” said the jubilant coach.

What was more pleasing to the Galaxy coach was scoring in just less than 10 minutes into the first half, through Daniel Msendami who scored a goal in the 18th area.

However, a few minutes after the Galaxy goal, Masitaoka found the back of the net through Thabang Khuduga who scored a beautiful goal just outside the 18th area leaving Galaxy defense and goalkeeper, Karabo Gaolebale stunned.

Masitaoka goal meant that Galaxy had to reveal their prowess and experience.

That in turn gave the former’s defense a hard time with their middle-field players closing all the gaps and giving their opponents no chance to penetrate their defense.

Galaxy’s captain, Gilbert Baruti was instrumental in the midfield and attack which resulted in netting home a goal that gave his side the lead before half time.

The second half saw Masitaoka more determined and committed to prove their mettle as they kept knocking at Galaxy goal posts, but luck was not on their side as they kept missing a flood of opportunities to convert.

The bringing in of Marcell Papama and Wendell Rudath paid off as Papama took a corner that saw Thabang Sesinyi’s header give their team the third goal.

A few minutes just before the final whistle, Rudath received a pass which found him unmarked and powered one past Masitaoka’s goalkeeper, Victor James.

In an interview, Masitaoka coach, Mandla Mpofu said the goal difference did not reflect the encounter because his side played well, particularly in the second half, adding however the goals scored could have been defended.

“We played a big team which wants to win the league but we gave them a run for their money and I must commend the players for giving their all in the game,” Mpofu said.

For Mpofu, their loss against Galaxy meant that they would regroup and prepare for the next game.

“We just need to work on our finishing and be clinical more so our transition to the opposition is amazing,” Mpofu said.

In another league game played in Molepolole on Saturday, BDF XI and Eleven Angels collected a point each after playing to a goalless draw.

BDF XI’s scoreless sheet resulted from missing numerous scoring opportunities, which the club’s coach, Letang Kgengwenyane blamed on failure to execute the game plan.

Kgengwenyane said lack of effectiveness of the striking force and retention of ball possession had a bearing on their loss.

“Scoring opportunities were there but we had serious challenges on decision making and that on its own got us nowhere,” he said.

He was also worried about the team’s penetrability of his defense, something he said needed to be addressed so to deny opponents scoring chances.

That, according to the coach, meant they would revisit the drawing board to work on closing all the gaps so that they improve on their next game.

“This is a great team with huge potential to cause sleepless nights for other teams in the premier league. All that it needs is some fine tuning and also taking chances to bury opponents,” he said.

On one hand, Eleven Angels coach, Seemo Mpatane said the fact that it was the first time they played against BDF XI, his boys were a bit jittery in the first half.

“The boys have a lot to learn more so that they grew up watching BDF XI players on television and when they now meet them, they respected them and that cost them. We will take a point home and keep learning from our mistakes and prepare for the big game coming against Township Rollers,” Mpatane said. ENDS