Five-Star Galaxy ascend to the league summit
Chakalisa Dube | Monday February 20, 2023 16:00
Ramoreboli was speaking yesterday after his side defeated Morupule Wanderers by a solitary goal in a Botswana Premier League clash played at Serowe Sports Complex to move to the summit of the league table. Galaxy have now accumulated 40 points in the league, two ahead of Gaborone United who dropped crucial points on Saturday. Galaxy have enjoyed a good run in the league this season. Last weekend Ramoreboli’s side set (a club) record of finishing the first round without a loss. They have won 11 matches and played four draws (in the first round). Galaxy have been resolute in all departments, which is why they are perceived to be strong title contenders. “There are so many matches to be played. We have reached the critical part of the season. We have to be humble, consistent and win matches. It is still early to think about the championship,” he said.
Ramoreboli attributed the good run to team work. “All the players have contributed positively to the team’s good results. Even our goals have come from several players. There is no player I can single out and say has had an immense contribution than the rest. We have not been error prone like last season, which is why we are in a better position.” Galaxy were stronger than Morupule in the opening moments of the match. Thabang Sesinyi ballooned his effort over the bar in the 16th minute after he had connected with Daniel Msendami’s cross from right. Moments earlier he had his goal destined shot cleared off, for a corner by defender, Michael Tinye after he had connected with Marcell Papama’s defense splitting pass. Morupule’s Julius Linkontsane should have put the hosts ahead before the break after he had pounced on a loose ball inside the goal area but he sent his shot wide. The forward did show glimpses of promise when he had the ball but he often found himself isolated. He forced a diving save from the visitors’ goalkeeper immediately after the break with a well-executed shot from the edge of the box.
Sesinyi was unlucky not to break the deadlock after his shot from close range was parried back into play by the host goalkeeper, Kagiso Moganetsi. Wendell Rudath thought he had found the much needed opener in 64th minute but his shot from inside of the box was parried off play by an outstanding Moganetsi. Earlier on Msendami was adjudged to have feigned a penalty after he appeared to have been brought down inside the goal area. Galaxy did find the back of the net in the 73rd minute when Rudath set up Sesinyi who calmly beat the goalkeeper after a neat counter attack. Morupule’s woes worsened in the 81st minute when defender Tendai Kesekile was sent off for what appeared to be lack of decency. After the red card Morupule never looked like a side eager to get a goal.
They appeared so disjointed while Galaxy maintained possession and continued pressing hard for a goal. The match eventually ended 1-0 in favour of the Jwaneng side. Morupule are winless in five matches. They have lost four matches and drawn once. They are among the bottom teams in the league.
The teams: Morupule Wanderers: Kagiso Moganetsi,Tendai Kesekile, Michael Tinye, Tshepang Boithatelo, Keabetswe Matote (Keabetswe Obonetse), Maano Ditshupo, Thatayaone Maome Baboloki Makhura, Boipelo Oatise, Ernest Ngwaga, Julius Linkotsane
Galaxy: Karabo Gaolebale, Moagi Sechele, Lesego Kedirile, Thabo Leinenyane, Gift Moyo (Boikobo Osupile), Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Daniel Msendami (Thatayaone Ramatlapeng), Marcell Papama (Gilbert Baruti), Thabang Mooketsi, Wendell Rudath (Serati Semadi), Thabang Sesinyi (Mpho Kgomo)
Morupule 0 Galaxy 1 (Sesinyi 73rd)