the monitor

Ramoreboli talks 'game in hand' pressure

Jwaneng Galaxy forward, Gift Moyo (red) during a Botswana Premier League battle against  Sfiso Myeni (purple) of VTM PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Jwaneng Galaxy forward, Gift Moyo (red) during a Botswana Premier League battle against Sfiso Myeni (purple) of VTM PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Jwaneng Galaxy’s head coach, Morena Ramoreboli, finds himself in a difficult spot in an attempt to catch up the leading pack in the Botswana Premier League (BPL) standings.

Galaxy moved to second place on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 win over VTM FC in a league game played at the VTM Arena. The defending champions are now four points behind leaders, Township Rollers and a point ahead of Gaborone United who sit on the third position.

Galaxy, however, have played three games less than Rollers and could sit comfortably at the top in the event they win all their ‘games in hand’. Ramoreboli has since said it is more difficult to chase than to lead as he seeks consistency from his side. “This is just like a race; those who started the race early had and have their comfort of leading the race. It is very difficult for you when you are chasing because you need to catch up. When you are trying to catch up, it demands a lot. To be honest, it is good for Township Rollers and Gaborone United.

They have been able to collect points and it is hard for us to try and catch up. I was not even aware that we moved into number two because I was just concerned about collecting the points. We need consistency, the more we win, the more we become contenders to win the league,” Ramoreboli said. From the first whistle, Galaxy had some neat passes and Gilbert Baruti’s cross was tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper in the first seconds of play. Six minutes later, Thero Setsile's cross was met by Thabang Sesinyi but the latter’s headed effort went straight into the keeper’s hands.

The visitors looked the better of the two teams early on. The home side had their best chance on the 37th minute through Thabang Selebogo’s attempted shot at goal from long range but his lowly driven strike missed the goal by just a whisker. On the brink of recess, Bogosi Mfila tried a curler to the bottom far corner but it was wide as it remained 0-0 at the break.

Just a minute into the second half, Baruti forced a brilliant save from the keeper with an effort from range. Ayanda Molefhe looked to make an impact from the bench but his shot went over the bar on the 53rd minute. Gift Moyo forced a save from the keeper with a deflected shot from outside the box on the 62nd minute. The visitors took the lead on the 66th minute with a well taken volley by Moyo beating the keeper to the top corner. Selebogo thought he had levelled the matters but the goal was recalled for offside in the 81st minute. Mmoloki Kebalepile’s headed effort from a corner kick was tipped over the bar by the keeper as VTM looked for an equaliser with five minutes to play.

The teams VTM: Lesang Senne, Katlo Kgathi (Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe), Wilfred Dithwane (Ayanda Molefhe), Keabetswe Lucas, Edwin Nthoiwa, Thabang Selebogo, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Thato Mogorosi, Sfiso Myeni (Lemponye Tshireletso), Bogosi Mfila (Neo Mokhachane), Lucky Mokoena Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Doctor David, Lesego Kereedilwe, Thabo Leinanyane, Tlamelo Kolagano, Kutlwelo Mpolokang (Fortune Thulare), Mxolisi Nkhonto (Daniel Msendami), Gift Moyo (Nqobizitha Masuku), Thero Setsile, Gilbert Baruti (Mpho Kgomo), Thabang Sesinyi (Martin Daka) Cautions: Moyo, Kgomo

VTM 0 Galaxy 1 (Moyo 66th)

Editor's Comment
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