Gaborone United (GU) secured the FNB Premiership title on Saturday at the GU Stadium, triumphing 4-2 over Jwaneng Galaxy in a decisive match watched by a capacity crowd. 

The victory not only handed GU the championship but also marked a significant milestone, as they handed Galaxy their first defeat of the season. The title race which was a fierce contest between GU, Galaxy and TAFIC, culminated in a dramatic showdown. Each team was desperately hoping the others would falter, but it was GU who ultimately triumphed in front of their home supporters. The Money Machine as the are known, opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Thabo Mponda who controlled a through pass inside the penalty area from Mpho Kgaswane, steadied himself and fired a right footed shot past Galaxy goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko. 

Galaxy equalised on the brink of halftime thanks to Onkabetse Makgantai’s goal, who fired a curling shot to the far post after the GU defence faile to deal with a high ball into the box. The match remained tightly contested until the second half, when GU regained the lead shortly after recess. Thatayaone Kgamanyane put GU ahead in the 49th minute, igniting the home team’s momentum. Piling pressure on the visitors, GU extended their lead with a powerful strike from Omphile Ramoagi in the 74th minute. The goalfest continued as GU added a fourth in the 87th minute, further sealing their dominance. As a rallying Galaxy made a final push, Gift Moyo scored his second goal of the game late on, but it was too little, too late.

GU’s win means a five-point gap between them and third-placed Jwaneng Galaxy, with just one match remaining in the season. TAFIC moved into second position after beating Extension Gunners 3-1 in Francistown. The battle for the second spot remains intense among TAFIC (59 points), Galaxy (58), and Sua Flamingoes (56). At the bottom of the league standings, Uniao Flamingo Santos(12 points), and Chadibe FC (16) have been relegated to the First Division. The final relegation spot will be decided on the last day between BDF IX (28) and Security Systems (25).

Galaxy interim coach, Seemo Mpatane acknowledged the difficulty of the game, praising GU’s hunger for victory. 

“GU appeared more hungry for the win, and that’s what decided the game,” he said. Mpatane added that Galaxy’s efforts were not enough to match their opponents, especially in such a crucial match.

“Congratulations to GU, they deserved to win today and claim the championship,” he said.

GU goalkeeper coach Khalid Niyonzima expressed pride in the team’s achievement.

“Winning the league after three seasons of effort is a fantastic feat,” he stated. 

Niyonzima said that focus, composure, and disciplined management contributed to the team’s success, despite a challenging start to the season.

Head Coach Dimitar Pantev was overwhelmed with joy, praising his players’ dedication and resilience.