Galaxy won’t say Uncle to Pirates
Sport
Botswana Premier League champions, Jwaneng Galaxy are intent on reaching first base after executing the ABC’s to safely jump into the next round of CAF Champions League, albeit narrowly. Galaxy managed to keep body and soul together in the first round of the Preliminaries defeating Ugandan champions, Vipers SC in a tightly contested two-legged affair which finished on 3-2 on aggregate.
Galaxy, who are like a little frog in a big pond in the CAF Champions League League Preliminary Second Round, will presumably be on the back foot when they meet a high-flying South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Orlando Pirates. While the Soweto giants are seven games into the new season, the local topflight football is yet to start, and this raises concern on Galaxy’s mental strength and fitness when compared to their next opponent.
To demonstrate further imprudence from the local football authorities, a fresh statement from BFL this week suggested that this year’s campaign has been postponed to October 7th and clubs can only hope that the league does start. In silence, the decision has brought further consternation among clubs – with Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU) having the most reasons as to why their blood is boiling – they are currently competing in the CAF competitions.
Lesagaripa la Dinaledi, as Galaxy are affectionately known to their fans started the CAF Champions League Preliminaries like a house on fire as they hammered Vipers SC 2-0, courtesy of the ever-reliable Thabang Sesinyi ensuring his team get a two-goal advantage on home soil. However, in the return fixture in Uganda as they were defeated 2-1, but the scoreline was not enough to overhaul their advantage.
But now, Galaxy will meet its Waterloo before a possible appearance in the group stages of the CAF Champions League – Orlando Pirates.
Is Pirates beatable?
The Buccaneers made the long trip to the island of the Comoros to face Djabal FC. Jose Riveiro’s side were expected to blow their Comoros opponents away. However, the minnows put up an incredible performance against the Soweto giants, with Pirates scraping a win through a solitary goal.
In the second leg, The Buccaneers hammered Djabal FC 3-0 thus completing the fixture without conceding a goal. Will they finally ship in goals against the likes of Thabang Sesinyi and Omaatla Kebatho who are capable of causing an upset on their day? Galaxy will have to mind their P’s and Q’s against a team that has demonstrated that it can unlock even the most stubborn of defences. But if Galaxy avoids a Nervous Nellie approach, a neck and neck game is expected, anything else, Pirates will mop the floor with the local lads.
Pirates form has been scintillating despite starting their 2023/24 PSL season with a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch. They regrouped and later redeemed themselves by beating Royal AM 4-2, followed by a 1-1 draw against Chippa United and a 2-0 victory against Cape Town City in the league. They currently occupy the fourth spot on the log.
However, Galaxy mentor is on pins and needles over the Pirates encounter. Responding to WeekendSport, Morena Ramoreboli said they have learned a lot from the Vipers game as preparations proved to key.
“When you win a home match by two goals to nil, decisions might go against you. Henceforth, it is important to try and introduce players that can give you energy in the first-half and avoid exposing certain areas of the field to ensure that you do not concede many goals,” he said.
According to Ramoreboli, patience is required when one is defending and mental strength is needed.
Galaxy intend to pitch a curve for Pirates, “When you manage the game well, you end up winning it, but mental strength is one area that’s need to be addressed if we are to go further in the tournament,” he said. Ramoreboli further pointed that their upcoming encounter against Pirates will be similar to when they played against Vipers.
“Vipers are the Champions of Uganda and Pirates by virtue of finishing second in the past season, they qualify for the African competition. In addition, we are the Champions of Botswana, hence, we are going to put up a big fight to ensure that we emerge victorious. Furthermore, as much as they are doing well, we are also doing well, hence why we are meeting them in the Second Round, without being arrogant, I think it is a match that both teams can win,” pointed Ramoreboli.
Galaxy gaffer further reminded football faithful to respect Botswana football. “It is high-time the continent start respecting Botswana football, they should start understanding that there is a country in Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Region called Botswana which its football standard is growing rapidly,” he said.
Quizzed about whether being a South African could be an advantage for Galaxy, he said; “It is fortunate that we have the luxury of watching Pirates play each week while on their part it is going to be difficult for them to thoroughly study our play; thus that could be a turning point to us. In addition, the little that information I have with regard to South African football, I share it with the technical team so that we come up with strategies to win the match,” he said. Ramoreboli is of the view that Pirates is on tenterhooks because they do not know the Galaxy style of play.
Meanwhile, GU will also face a South African side, Supersport United, in a blockbuster CAF Champions League encounter which promises to be a thriller.
All the first-leg of the two matches will be played on the 16th and 17th respectively at National Stadium.
Come dee day, Galaxy is confident that Pirates will not scare them out their wits hence they won’t give in and say Uncle to Orlando Pirates!
Sport
Orange Botswana gift Tebogo with P150K
Local sprinter, Letsile Tebogo has been rewarded with a whopping P150 000.00 by Orange Botswana for his heroics at the recently held World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Speaking at a Handover Ceremony for Tebogo, Orange Botswana Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maano Masisi said, Orange Botswana is steadfast in their commitment to nurturing the youth and promoting sports in diverse ways.
“Letsile stands as a formidable force and an inspiration to young Batswana, showcasing the value of sports not only in Botswana but on an international stage through his remarkable achievements. Orange Botswana, furthermore, desires to cultivate enduring relationships with aspiring young Batswana, much like Letsile, who embody dedication, focus, and excellence in their endeavors. Letsile has already shattered records, etching new milestones for the African continent and beyond,”
Masisi further said the partnership aligns seamlessly with Orange Botswana’s dedication to acknowledging exceptional individual talent like Tebogo.
“As previously announced when we started this relationship, our collaboration with yourself entails financial support from Orange Botswana to fuel your journey in competitive sports, alongside your representation as the face of Orange Botswana,” he said.
For his part, Tebogo pleaded with Orange Botswana to extend his contract as it is beneficial to him, “I am thankful to Orange Botswana and I hope they could extent my contract as it has been very helpful.”
Meanwhile, Tebogo’s coach, Kebonyemodisa ‘Dose’ Mosimanyana was also showered with P10 000.00 for always ensuring that Tebogo is ready to take on the world.
Sport
Athletes confront Minister Rakgare
Local athletes, Zibane Ngozi and Letsile Tebogo have confronted Minister of Youth, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare citing lack of support during preparations.
Speaking at the World Champs team Welcome Ceremony on Wednesday, the 4 x 400m relay specialist and Team Captain, Ngozi urged some of the government officials inclusive of Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) representative, Rakgare to attend these high-profile competitions to witness the hardships they go through during these competitions.
“People need to understand it is not easy for us when we arrive at the World stage, there is a lot that is going on hence we need support in order for us to succeed as expected.
However, I am happy that immediately when I arrived in Botswana, BNSC credited our allowances which was a good thing because we had lots of debts (jokingly) thus we manage to settle them,” he said.
On the other hand, Tebogo who brought home two medals (silver and bronze) from 100m and 200m respectively at the World Champs said most athletes are going through depression due unfavorable conditions.
“Most of us going through depression because we lack support during preparations, we are only celebrated when we win but in hard times we are forgotten. Athletics is a difficult sport hence we need all the support we could to make it through and eventually amass medals as it is expected by our country,”
For his part, Rakgare admitted that local sport is faced with challenges, including but not limited to a tough sponsorship environment, limited or no sport in public schools, doping and leadership instability.
“I would of course be surprised if anyone of you would not agree with me that notwithstanding the challenges, we continue to achieve unprecedented results in sport, and the year to date is no exception,” he said.
Rakgare gave special recognition to Oratile Rose Nowe for heroics at the World Champs, “I would like to take this opportunity and congratulate Nowe for attaining a new personal best 2:01.62 in Women’s 800m, which also happens to be a national record. By the way, Oratile is the first Motswana woman to ever qualify for the World Championships in middle distance running.”
According to Rakgare, Government, recognizes athletes’ achievements at any and every competition, and that is why most recently, they have rewarded them at the Youth and Sport Awards.
“I would like to thank the Government of Botswana for their investment in sport. We continue to pride ourselves in being one of the best funders of sport per capita, and as indicated earlier, we are not intending to slow down anytime soon,”
On a lighter note, World Champs BW Team was rewarded by various companies such as Debswana, Choppies, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and also government as a token of appreciation for participating in Hungary.
Tebogo was rewarded with P560 000 from Debswana, Choppies and BPC for bringing two medals home, 4 x 400m men relay finalists (Ngozi, Baboloki Thebe, Laone Ditshetelo and Leungo were given P25 000 apiece for reaching the finals and participating by Debswana; while ladies (Tlhomphang Basele, Golekanye Chikani, Lydia Jele, Oratile Nowe, Galefele Moroko, Obakeng Kamberuka were given P10 000 each for participation.
In addition, the World Champs team amassed P926 000.00 of which P250 000 would go to Tebogo and the remaining P676 000 will be shared amongst the rest of the team.
Sport
BONA to host 2023 Africa Netball Cup
With several local associations currently going through a rough patch in terms of financial quagmires, Botswana Netball Association (BONA) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mokeresete Mokeresete is optimistic to host the 2023 Africa Netball Cup as per the request from African Netball Board (Executive Committee) because Uganda has pulled out.
Will it be successful or finally quench the thirst of competing internationally?
The African Netball Championships or Africa Netball Cup are a netball competition held every after two years with teams from across Africa competing for the top price.
BONA National team competed in the last edition of the Africa Netball Cup which was held in 2021 in Namibia and they finished in position seven which was average.
Last time BONA hosted an event of this magnitude was the 2017 Netball Youth World Cup which was indeed a success even though the local team (Dinaletsana) finished in position 10.
One would have thought that the Dinaletsana team which looked promising would eventually go on and conquer the world in the following international competitions. However, that has not been the case as they struggled to qualify for the recent World Cup which was held in the neighboring South Africa.
In addition, the Botswana Netball League was last played in November 2022 and in 2023 they hosted a Fast Five Netball Cup just before the Netball World Cup.
In an interview with WeekendSport this week, BONA Public Relations Officer (PRO) said they have accepted to host the 2023 Africa Netball Cup following the pulling out of Uganda.
“We have recently accepted a request to the 2023 Africa Netball Cup, however – we are still working on finalizing all the logistics that will be in play as you are aware that hosting an event requires a budget which might be difficult because we were given a smaller potion in the recent financial year.
Furthermore, we are yet to come up with a consolidated budget which could help us map a way forward as we really want to stage this particular competition. It is vital for us to host this competition as we want to revitalize local netball, we want to attract more for the league,” said Mokeresete Mokeresete.
MORE NETBALL ACTION AHEAD?
Mokeresete further hinted that the upcoming Independence Cup will be preparatory tournament for the upcoming Africa Netball Cup.
“We are going to host the Independence Cup of which we are expected at least 16 ladies’ teams and a few of male’ teams as we are still swiftly introducing the male section to the sport in Orapa.
However, prior to the action we are going conduct courses for match officials, technical official and coaches’ beginners’ level 1 courses as an effort of improve the standards of the sporting code,” hinted Mokeresete.
MISSING THE RECENT NETBALL WORLD CUP WAS CATASTROPHIC
According to BONA PRO, missing the recent Netball World Cup was catastrophic as players missed out on an opportunity to showcase their talents on the world stage which was bound to garner those deals to more professional countries in terms of Netball.
“We are seeing lots of movement for players from countries like Zimbabwe which is remarkable and that could have happened for our player – but it wasn’t to be as we did not qualify for the main event.
Moreover, through the World Cup Legacy Program, we have been awarded a sprung board and we are contention to transport it from South Africa to the country as one of the requirements to host a sporting event is to have a sprung floor,”
Meanwhile, the 2023 Africa Netball Cup is scheduled between November 26 – October 06 2023 at University of Botswana (UB) Indoor Sports Arena.