Ramoreboli completes emotional circle to retain title
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday June 1, 2024 06:00
Jwaneng Galaxy coach, Ramoreboli was the centre of attention in the final five league matches as his side challenged for a second consecutive league title.
The South African was left frustrated when a boardroom decision threw back rivals Gaborone United (GU) into title contention after the BPL prosecutor decided to award the Reds six points following two rounds of matches which were not played in January.
At the time, Galaxy and Ramoreboli appeared home and dry but suddenly the Reds were breathing hard on their neck. On the team's schedule were Eleven Angels and Holy Ghost at home, away trips to Gaborone giants, GU and Rollers and a home tie against Orapa United on the final day.
In sight of retaining the title, Eleven Angels held Galaxy 1-1 before a frustrating 2-2 draw against Holy Ghost.
The team's winless stretch extended to a 1-0 defeat to Rollers and a 0-0 draw with GU.
The coach lost his cool after the Rollers' loss as he was caught on camera hurling insults at match officials. He told MmegiSport's sister publication, SportMonitor that off-field forces were influencing match officials in an attempt to take Galaxy's hands off the title. At the time, pressure was seemingly piling on Ramoreboli with two games to play. A goalless draw against GU handed his side a glimmer of hope as the team faced a must-win tie against Orapa United. Title rivals, Rollers and GU, could only hope the three-time champions dropped points on the final day to have a chance at the title.
With the team falling out of form and struggling to get the much-needed wins, Ramoreboli's mother passed on. It was during a period when Galaxy experienced the worst run of the season. The team had never played two games without a win. They once had the longest unbeaten streak with 16 games between October 2023 and April 2024.
The Bloemfontein-born Ramoreboli was forced to hold back tears and focus on steering Galaxy to their third league title in the final game. It needed an early header from club captain, Thabo Leinanyane, to ensure a slim margin over Orapa United as Galaxy sew up their second title on the trot and third overall. Ramoreboli credited his players for easing the pain of losing a parent by securing a win on final the day. 'It was a difficult week for me in particular after losing my mom but I am happy that despite the fact that I was torn inside, these guys made my work very easy. They went in there and played for Jwaneng Galaxy but on top of that they wanted me to be okay and be happy,' Ramoreboli told MmegiSport.
Galaxy has now joined an elite class that includes record league champions, Rollers, GU, BDF XI, fallen giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Mogoditshane Fighters and Extension Gunners to become the seventh club to successfully defend the title since 1978. The Galaxy Stars are the quickest to do so in only their ninth season in the elite league. The outspoken Ramoreboli has been linked with a move to his native, South Africa. He is tipped to take over the role of South Africa Under-23 coach while PSL clubs are also said to be keeping a keen eye. Ramoreboli said he is committed to Galaxy ahead of the next campaign. 'I have been a Jwaneng Galaxy coach for three seasons and I still want to be the Galaxy coach for the next season,' he said. The tactician is taking a brief break as he returns to South Africa for his mother's burial. He will return to lead Galaxy in the Orange FA Cup final against Orapa United to be played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on June 15.