Saturday, February 8, 2025

Galaxy FC edge closer to Premier League promotion

Debswana First Division South log leaders Jwaneng Galaxy FC edged closer to the Premier League promotion when they narrowly beat relegation threatened Lesirane City 1-0 in a tightly contested match played at Lesirane ground on Saturday afternoon.┬á Galaxy FC have now accumulated 39 points from 18 matches and only need six points from the remaining four matches to wrap up the Southern division campaign. Galaxy FC’s job was made easier on the afternoon by the fact that title rivals Black Forest lost 1-0 to Mogoditshane Fighters at home.┬á

Though it was not an impressive show from the log leaders, Coach Boyo Radipotsane was happy that they managed to collect the maximum points. “It’s not easy to come here (Lesirane) and go away with points. What makes our job even difficult is the state of the football grounds in this division. At the end of the day I’ve to appreciate that the boys tried their best under the circumstances,” said Radipotsane.

After assembling the best squad in their division at the start of the campaign, Radipotsane said their main target has always been the ‘big carrot’. “When we assembled the squad, we wanted players who would take us to the Premier League hence we signed experienced players. We knew it was not going to be easy but we didn’t want anything to stop on our way. Next season we’ll be playing in the Premier League,” boasted Radipotsane. Though disappointed with the result, Lesirane City coach Machine Nthaga said they have taken the positives from the game. Lesirane need at least three wins from their remaining matches to solidify their position in the First Division. “We lost the game in the first half when we allowed them a lot of space. We could not match their pace and everything. You’ve to realise that these are young boys and we could not match their experience,” said Nthaga. He pointed out that they are going to work hard in training so that they are up to the task in their remaining fixtures.

On the day, the hosts missed a couple of chances in the second half which could have changed the complexion of the game. Wellington Maposa and Pako Eanang failed to unlock the hosts defence led by the experienced captain, Boitumelo ‘Navara’ Mafoko. “We’ll have to work on our converting because we need goals in the remaining matches,” added Nthaga. Lesirane have managed to score 20 goals in 18 matches. It was a 17th minute strike from Goareng ‘Veron’ Bagale which settled the tie and put smiles on the faces of the supporters.

Bagale ran into the intelligent pass from Olebogeng Malebye and calmly put the ball past City goalkeeper Laone Baratedi. The visitors controlled the proceedings throughout the first half but were let down by poor finishing. Lesirane found their footing in the second stanza but it was clear that their inexperience was the main undoing.┬á In the end the hosts’ colourful supporters went home disappointed despite rooting for their stars throughout the game. Meanwhile, former Premier League side Uniao Flamengo Santos moved into the second spot on the log following their 1-0 win over bottom-placed Gantsi Terrors.

Santos are level with Black Forest and Mogoditshane Fighters on 29 points. Modipane United’s run for play-off spot suffered a major blow when they were held to a 2-2 draw by relegation threatened Black Peril. In Ramotswa, Killer Giants played to a 2-2 stalemate with Sharps Electrical while Rolling Boys had a brilliant weekend beating Prisons XI 2-0.

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