Red Roses send stern warning ahead of new season

Kabelo Boranabi | Thursday October 17, 2024 09:18

Over the weekend, the Red Roses were splendid in a Cream of Gaborone preseason tournament played at the BPSC Stadium on Saturday. GU hosted league rivals, Security Systems and Township Rollers, along side BDF XI who are competing in the Kweneng Region league. The reigning national champions were in a menace mood as they knocked out Rollers in the first semi final played in the morning.

Central defender-cum midfielder, Nancy Baeletsi, bagged a brace as Masa Keagakwa and Laone Moloi scored the other two goals when they beat Rollers 4-1. Midfielder, Oarabile Molatlhegi scored the solitary goal for Banyana Ba Popa. GU went on to win the final with another heavy score line against Systems. Baeletsi was also heavily instrumental in the final win as she scored another brace when her side won the tie 5-2. It was a heavily contested encounter but the Red Roses had more in their legs as they managed to have a better second half to clinch the Cream of Gaborone tournament. With nine goals in just two games and against league rivals, GU will be feeling a bit more confident ahead of the league opener against Rollers later this month.

The team's coach mixed it up a little bit with prospects including Keagakwa and Amogelang Sebotho doing enough to compete for places in the starting line-up. Jessica Modise continued her good run from the CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers as she led the line well for GU and promises to have a better debut season with the team. Winter signings including centre half, Desiree Kenyaditswe, fitted like a glove into the team's setup. 'We came very prepared because the last time (preseason tournament) we finished as runners up. So this time around we came with the intention of taking all that is before us. We made sure that we work as a team and we did not undermine anyone,' said Baeletsi.

The midfielder finished as the tournament leading goalscorer with four goals and a P1, 000 pay check while Sebotho was voted the best player and won a P1, 500 prize as GU won P5, 000 for claiming the tournament honours.