10 Mar 2019

The 2-0 drabbing of Gaborone United (GU) by Jwaneng Galaxy was enough to ensure that the Miguel Da Costa-led side was crowned the 2018/19 Mascom Top 8 champions in a match played before a capacity crowd at Francistown Sports Complex on March 9.

Besides the coveted trophy and gold medals, Galaxy walked away with A whooping P1.3 million prize money.

The two goals, scored in each half of the match, also ensured Galaxy become the third premier league team other than Township Rollers and Gaborone United to have lifted the coveted trophy twice since inception in the 2011/2012 season.

It was clear right from the start of the first half that Galaxy wanted to be the first to rattle the net to unsettle the opponents.

Galaxy, which employed the 4-4-2 formation, displayed a sense of urgency with their attractive passing game and ability to quickly transition to a defense mood everytime they lost possession to frustrate any attempt at goal by GU.

The star of Dirang ‘Malan’ Moloi, known for his trademark killer passes seemed not to burn the brightest. 

His opponents knew well not to give him room to maneuver most of the time.

The formidable defence of Galaxy marshalled by Moagi Sechele, Thabo Leinanyane, Fortune Thulare as well as Thato Kebue, who were as solid as a rock proved an albatross in the neck of the GU forwards.

In the 14^th minute, Galaxy continuous pressure on GU paid dividends as midfielder Thero Setsile tapped into the net to give his side the much deserved lead. That was after a series of good passes by Galaxy players who were on song.

On the 24^th minute, Lebogang Ditsile, who had the game of his life on March 9 was booked and given a yellow card for an infringement on Moloi. 

GU squandered the opportunity as the resultant set piece went straight into the hands of Jwaneng Galaxy shot stopper, Ezekiel Morake.

At that time, Galaxy were all over the Gaborone giants who were now in sixes and sevens and seemed to have an ace in the hole to reply.

Another attempt, by Up the redds’ Obonwe ‘Too Longer’ Maome to chip Galaxy goal keeper who was off the line went wide.

Jerome Ramatlhakwane injury forced Coach Phillemon Makhwengwe to make the first substitution in the 38^th minute to perhaps try and diffuse his opponents who were firing on all cylinders. 

In the second half, Galaxy continued where it left off and capitalised on sloppy defence from GU to cement their lead through enterprising Atisang Batsi who proved to be a real menace to Moyagoleele defence.

At the moment, the writing was on the wall for all and sundry to behold; Jwaneng Galaxy was on its way to sweep the stakes as the Money Machine could not catch up with them, not by a long short.

Galaxy outsmarted and outclassed GU in all the departments throughout the mouth-watering encounter.

Galaxy were a marvel to watch and displayed the finest brand of football to the admiration of football lovers who thronged the stadium. 

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Dikgang Makgalemele, BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti and other dignitaries graced the event. ENDS