Double Action stamps authority
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday March 11, 2023 06:00
Since the women's football league was dismantled in 2016, the majority of the then Super League remained in the GCRFA league football. The league has been fiercely contested since then with traditional women's football giants, Double Action, Prisons XI, UB Kicks and Township Rollers dishing time-worthy displays week in, week out. However, Double Action has been a class above their competitors in the league.
The team has had an undisputed reign since 2016. While the women's football leagues have not seen much action, Double Action has won every title competed for.
On two occasions, the team had finished in the semifinals of the CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA region qualifiers. With Rollers a former shadow of themselves and Prisons XI struggling with form, Double Action have had a walkover in GCRFA Division 1. Before the start of the season, a new threat emerged in the form of Gaborone United (GU).
The Reds Ladies team were promoted to Division 1 after finishing the Division 2 campaign unbeaten. GU sent warning signs with major coups in the transfer market. GU signed the most sought-after Mares' attacker, Keitumetse 'Ben 10' Dithebe. The Reds also captured 31-capped Mares' defender, Lone Gaofetoge from Zambia's Elite Ladies on a two-year deal. Former Under-20 full-back UB Kicks' captain, Thapelo Moshe also joined on a two and half year deal while another Mares' midfielder, Annah Sechane was recruited from Rollers also on a two and half year deal.
Full-back, Goitsemang Tlamma returned to the club from BDF XI after four years while Big Sisters' 22-year-old defender, Bathusi Odisitse joined on a two and half year contract. The long list of recruits at the Reds camp also includes Mares' midfielder, Golebaone Selebatso acquired from Prisons XI. The new signings added to some talents in the team that include last season's top scorer, Kelebogile Magaga, goalkeeper, Tlamelo Pheresi and Phatsimo Bose. Additionally, seasoned coach, Innocent Morapedi was appointed as the head coach.
On the field, the team did not disappoint as they matched Double Action with four straight wins in their four games. The two teams met in what was a potential decider last Saturday.
The tie had all the ingredients of a top-of-the-table clash. Double Action proved to be stronger than their rivals. Skilled midfielder, Lesego Radiakanyo's goal was the difference as the Reds' keeper, Pheresi bagged the player of the match display. The win takes Double Action to 15 points in five games with two remaining before the start of the second round. Double Action remains unbeaten as GU fell three points behind. 'The Big Brand' looks on course to finish yet another campaign unbeaten while the Reds will be looking for a 'favour' from fellow rivals to halt Double Action. Prisons Ladies and Security Systems are third and fourth with nine points each.
Wonder Girls are winless and bottom-placed with just a point, as Rollers and UB Kicks are two and three points above the relegation zone.