Galaxy and the other 15 league sides are set to walk away with nothing for their sweat during the just ended BPL season, the Botswana Football League (BFL) confirmed. “There is no prize money,” BFL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi, said after the season finale at the Galaxy Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Galaxy Stars beat mining rivals, Orapa United 1-0 in the tie that confirmed their second consecutive league title. The home side needed a win on the afternoon as title rivals in Gaborone giants, Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU) also secured victories on the afternoon. In a slim margin season finale, Galaxy beat the two teams by a point and two respectively to end with 65 points. It took Galaxy's captain, Thabo Leinanyane’s header to make a difference against Orapa United. “I think today we succeeded in landing the plane safely, there are no causalities.
There are lessons to be learnt. It is very important to acknowledge the work done by the leadership to keep everything intact in the midst of the turbulence, the chairman and the board and other people associated in the leadership fought hard to keep the process moving, to assist us in landing this plane,” Mamelodi said on the just ended campaign. In a game of not too many chances, Kelvin Bingala had an attempt at goal but his effort flew over the bar on the 11th minute. Galaxy, however, took the lead five minutes later when Leinanyane nodded in from close range.
On the 27th minute, Daniel Msendami had his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Galaxy led 1-0 at the break. It was a rather slow start to the second than the first, as both teams struggled to get shot on goal. The home side had their chances but the 1-0 win was enough to seal Galaxy’ second consecutive league title.
The win means the Galaxy Stars enter an elite class of teams that won back to back BPL titles that include Rollers and fallen giants, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. The Jwaneng-based side is the quickest to do so in their nine-year stay in the elite league. “I think we have worked so hard and one part I should mention is consistency. We were very consistent and we could be consistent because of individuals, players, technical team and management who was very constant and trying to make sure that they give us the support and the players who were willing to sacrifice for one another,” Galaxy’s head coach, Morena Ramoreboli reflected on the season.
The teams
Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Doctor David, Fortunate Thulare, Thabo Leinayane, Moagi Sechele, Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Nqobizitha Masuku (Gift Moyo), Gilbert Baruti (Mxolisi Mkhonto), Thabang Sesinyi, Daniel Msendami, Thero Setsile (Wendell Rudath) Orapa: Lesenya Malapela, Mpho Kgaswane, Atamelang Lesogo, Ivan Kamberipa, Kagisano Mungu (Khleophas Uiseb), Kelvin Bingala (Baokeditswe Talane), Lemogang Maswena (Letsweletse Gaboitsiwe), Koketso Majafi, Ratlhogo Ratlhogo, Koketso Modisane (Kamogelo Modisane), Eric Ookame
Galaxy 1 (Leinanyane 16th) Orapa 0
