25 Aug 2024

Jwaneng Galaxy will now set their eyes on their new found nemesis, Orlando Pirates of South Africa after scrapping through 6-5 on penalties against Namibian champions, African Stars at the National Stadium on Saturday.

   Galaxy eliminated African Stars after the two were locked one-all on aggregate in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, while Pirates hammered Disciples FC of Madagascar 4-0 in the return leg after playing to a stalemate in the first leg.

  Last season in the second preliminary round, Galaxy eliminated Pirates 5-4 on penalties after tying the aggregate at 1-1, which ensured their passage to the group stages.

   Lesagaripa, as Galaxy is affectionately called by its supporters would be looking to repeat the feat and it is expected to be a tough encounter as Pirates would not want to be twice bitten, while Galaxy would want to prove that their win was no fluke.

      “Honestly we will now have to refocus and it will be a different ball game. We need to adapt and adjust to each game,” said Galaxy coach, Morena Ramoreboli on the date with Pirates after the elimination of the Namibian champions.

     He said they would give Pirates the respect they deserve and work hard to emulate the job they did last season because they know how to fight and are committed.

Meanwhile, Ramoreboli hailed the Samba Boys, as African Stars are fondly known, for their gallant fight during the Saturday encounter.

    “We knew the return leg was not going to be easy because Stars can fight, and boy didn’t they! We were forced to change our playing system three times in the game and am happy for my players as they managed to adapt well each time,” he said.

    He said the game was nerve wrecking and the whole team deserved to be congratulated looking at the way they fought back.

   Ramoreboli said that the plan was to settle in the game as early as possible and finish it within regular time, but that their opponent proved to be tough.

   “In the second half, we then made four simultaneous substitutions, which enabled us to adjust to a block in the midfield, and that gave us dimension and allowed us to be a bit aggressive,” said Ramoreboli.

   Even though he said he was proud with his whole team, Ramoreboli particularly singled out shot-stopper, Goitseone Phoko for saving two penalties, one of them being so crucial in sudden death, which gave Galaxy a lifeline.

      However, equally a hero was long absent striker, Omaatla ‘Dunga’ Kebatho, who came in as a second half substitute and found the equaliser in the 69th minute.

   Kebatho was absent for almost the whole of last season after sustaining a long-term injury in the second leg of the second preliminary round away to Pirates, just after signing from another mining town team, Orapa United. He returned only to repay Galaxy’s patience and belief in him in style on Saturday.

 African Stars coach, Ronnie Kanalelo said that his side made poor decisions, often taking desperate attempts at goal with long-range efforts.   He said hat they now have to try and be back in the competiion again next season.  ENDS