Galaxy targets Champions League quarter-finals
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Botswana Premier League (BPL) Champions, Jwaneng Galaxy is eyeing to go further in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League as they are currently through to the group stages, however – they will have to dig deep as they are tipped to face tough foes such as Wydad Casablanca, Asec Mimosas and Simba Sports Club (SC).
Lesaripa la Dinaledi, as Galaxy is popularly known started this year’s CAF Champions League campaign with a 2-nil win against a Ugandan side Vipers SC and went on lose 2-1 in the return fixture hence proceeding with an away goal.
Subsequent to the heroics, their next opponent was a South African giant, Orlando Pirates who limped to Botswana as they rested a few of their star players only to get walloped 1-nil by Galaxy in front of a packed Botswana National Stadium.
On the day, Galaxy showed a glimpse of brilliance and confidence as they did not give the Buccaneers any breathing space.
They ultimately scored a beautiful goal which was crafted by the mercurial maestro, Gilbert Baruti who saw Kutlwelo Mpolokang’s run on the left and feed him a defense-splitting pass. Mpolokang delivered a looping cross which found Daniel Msendami lurking and unleashed a powerful low driven shot which gave Pirates goalkeeper, Richard Ofori no chance to make a save.
Msendami’s solitary goal would then decide the outcome of the match thus giving the home-side an advantage going into the second leg which was scheduled for a week later in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nevertheless, Pirates came a different side and beat Galaxy 1-0 which that the match will be decided in penalty shoot-out and the Botswana-based side emerged victorious by 5-4.
On the 6th of October 2023, CAF conducted a draw and Galaxy was put in Group B with titans which automatically makes them an underdog.
They are expected to tussle with the likes Moroccan side, Casablanca who have been brilliant in various African competitions as the last time they won the CAF Champions League was back in 2022 which makes them a strong competitor, however, football is an unpredictable sport.
In addition, they will also lock horns with a Tanzanian outfit Simba SC who they have once defeated 3-1 in the CAF Preliminaries in 2021. Moreover, it is anticipated to be an interesting contest as Galaxy is even a better side from that time as they introduced the likes of the experienced goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, Omaatla Kebatho (now injured) just to mention a few and they have already hit the ground running.
On the other hand, Galaxy will also play against Asec Mimosas from Cote D’voire who ended a five-year wait to reach the CAF Champions’ League group stage after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Al Ahly Benghazi secured progress on away goals.
The encounter is expected to produce fireworks and the local side is expected to be on their A-game if they are to make it out of this group.
Galaxy has started the 2023/24 BFL campaign on a good footing as they have registered two wins already which demonstrate their intentions as the football season progresses.
By virtue of qualifying to the group stages, Galaxy has now pocketed 700 000 USD which is equivalent to P10Million and if they make it through the quarter-finals, they will bag an extra 12Million which will make it P22Million.
However, Galaxy gaffer, Morena Ramoreboli is oozing with confidence ahead of the group stages citing that it is high time opponents start respecting Botswana as a footballing nation as it is growing.
“It is a tough group but when will Botswana be respected and recognized? I believe this is the right for this generation to make a mark in Africa.
Moreover, even if we were drawn with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Ah Ahly, it was still going to be a tough draw but we have to prepare ourselves to fight until the last whistle to emerge victorious,”
According to Ramoreboli, their approach to these impending games will differ as these teams play different styles of play thus they will have to adapt to how each one of them plays.
“When you play against a team that wants to get behind you, or keep possession – you will have to be able to know how you can defend hence avoiding to concede which could disadvantage you.
In addition, players know what we expect from them, we want to dominate and achieve great things,”
For his part, Galaxy mouthpiece, Tankiso Morake stressed about the impending expenditure that they are going to incur when they travel Africa, “We already used a lot of money during the CAF Preliminaries, however – we are still awaiting the audit and we will share that once it is ready.
Furthermore – we cannot talk about the P10Million that you get when you qualify for the group stages because we are playing CAF Champions League, you can get a fine and that money will be gone, so I am appealing to the corporate world to partner with us as we embark on this difficult and exciting journey,”
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Ditlhokwe must avoid smugness at Amakhosi
Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs, has been facing a coaching crisis. In the midst of this turmoil, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, a local hard-tackling defender, has quickly become an integral member of the squad. However, despite his impressive performances, Ditlhokwe must avoid complacency and continue to work hard to secure his place in the star-studded team. TSHEPO KEHIMILE explores the potential impact of Chiefs’ frequent changes in coaching staff on Ditlhokwe and emphasize the need for him to maintain his high level of performance.
Ditlhokwe’s Rise to Prominence:
Ditlhokwe’s journey in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) began when he joined Supersport United on a three-year deal from Township Rollers. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of the technical team, and he became a trusted member of the squad. In January 2023, he signed a five-year contract with Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest clubs in South African football. His performances during pre-season matches against Young African and Township Rollers showcased his potential and promised a bright future at Amakhosi.
The Acid Test:
As the season progressed, Ditlhokwe faced several challenges. His first test came against Chippa United, where he and his defensive partner, Given Msimango, managed to keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw. However, miscommunication between the defense and goalkeeper Riyaard Pieterse led to a 2-1 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite this setback, Ditlhokwe and Msimango redeemed themselves in subsequent matches, guiding Chiefs to a 3-0 victory against TS Galaxy and a 2-0 win against Stellenbosch.
The Impact of Coaching Changes:
Chiefs’ frequent changes in coaching staff can potentially affect Ditlhokwe’s performance and place in the team. The departure of Coach Molefi Ntseki, who had shown faith in Ditlhokwe, raised questions about whether the new coach would retain him as a regular starter. The arrival of Cavin Johnson as the interim coach saw Ditlhokwe maintain his place in the starting lineup, but the team continued to struggle defensively, conceding goals in matches against Golden Arrows and Cape Town City.
The Need for Consistency:
Ditlhokwe’s consistent presence in the starting lineup is commendable, but he must not become complacent. As competition for accolades and starting positions intensifies, he needs to work even harder to improve the team’s defensive record. Chiefs’ recent signing of his former Supersport United teammate adds further competition for the starting berth, making it crucial for Ditlhokwe to maintain his high level of performance.
Conclusion:
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe’s journey at Kaizer Chiefs has been impressive, with his consistent performances earning him a regular place in the starting lineup. However, he must avoid complacency and continue to work hard to improve the team’s defensive record. The frequent changes in coaching staff at Chiefs add an element of uncertainty, making it essential for Ditlhokwe to prove himself to each new coach. By remaining focused and dedicated, Ditlhokwe can solidify his position in the team and contribute to the success of Amakhosi.
Sport
BOBA battles turbulences to prime Boxing
The Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) recently organized a successful Boxing National Championships, sponsored by Maun Quarries and Tau Grading, with a generous amount of P100,000. This financial support is a welcome development for the boxing fraternity, as it has been almost a decade since such a windfall was received. The championships showcased the incredible skills of boxers like Mmusi Tswiigi, who achieved a remarkable victory by Referee Stop Contest (RSC). However, despite this success, BOBA acknowledges the need to improve and participate in international competitions to increase the chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
National Championships Success:
The Boxing National Championships witnessed outstanding performances from various boxers. Mmusi Tswiigi’s victory by RSC highlighted his exceptional skills and determination. Other notable performers included Rajab Mahommed, Maxwell Sechi, Thabang Chakalisa, Kerapetse Segole, Joel Kgogobi, Botshelo Thomologo, Otsile Mogobye, Mompoloki Sebula, Kenaope Boifang, Solomon Motshwarakgole, Keamogetse Kenosi, and Tshephang Moilwa. These boxers demonstrated their talent and dedication, bringing pride to the nation.
The Road to the Olympics:
Despite the success at the National Championships, BOBA Secretary General, Taolo Tlouetsile, acknowledges that more needs to be done to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics. Tlouetsile emphasizes the importance of international exposure for local boxers to gauge their readiness for such competitions. He recognizes that the opponents in international competitions are more active and challenging, making it crucial for local boxers to participate in various international events.
Challenges Faced:
The local pugilists faced difficulties during the Paris 2024 Boxing Africa Qualifiers held in Senegal. Most of the boxers were eliminated in the preliminary rounds, with only Keamogetse Kenosi making it to the quarterfinals. The lack of preparation due to financial constraints hindered their performance. The absence of training camps and exposure to international competitions affected their readiness and ability to compete at the highest level.
Upcoming Qualifiers:
To secure a place at the Paris Olympics, local boxers must now focus on the upcoming qualification tournaments. The 1st World Qualification Tournament is scheduled to take place in Busto Arsizio, Italy, from 29 February to 12 March 2024, followed by the 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23 May to 3 June 2024. These tournaments provide another opportunity for local boxers to showcase their skills and qualify for the Olympics.
The Way Forward:
BOBA National Team Coach, Thebe Setlalekgosi, acknowledges the talent of the boxers but highlights the financial constraints that have hindered their progress. Setlalekgosi emphasizes the need for proper training camps to prepare the team adequately. He expresses his disappointment at missing the International Boxing Association (IBA) Junior World Championships, which could have served as valuable preparation for future boxers. Setlalekgosi proposes a training camp from the first week of December until February to ensure the team is in top shape for the upcoming qualifiers.
The recent success of the Boxing National Championships sponsored by Maun Quarries and Tau Grading is a positive step for BOBA. However, the association recognizes the need for international exposure and participation to improve the chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Financial constraints have been a significant challenge, affecting the preparation and performance of local boxers. With upcoming qualification tournaments, it is crucial for BOBA to prioritize training camps and international competitions to give their boxers the best chance at success. By addressing these challenges, BOBA can pave the way for a brighter future in boxing and bring glory to Botswana on the Olympic stage.
Sport
Mares 90 minutes WAFCON qualification
Crunch time has arrived for the Mares, the women’s senior national team of Botswana, as they face a crucial encounter against Kenya, also known as the Harambee Starlets.
This match will determine their qualification for the WAFCON 2024 tournament, and the fate of the Mares hangs in the balance. Under the guidance of their new coach, Alex Malete, the team carries a slight advantage with an away goal from the first leg.
Adding to their confidence, the Mares received a major boost with the inclusion of newly appointed Zebras head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, in their technical team. Da Rosa’s appointment as the Director of Football for all national teams, including the women’s team, shows the commitment of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to support the growth and development of women’s football in the country.
The history between these two teams is not extensive, with only two previous encounters. The last match took place in 2015 during the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. The Mares won the first leg 2-1 but lost the second leg 1-0, resulting in the Harambee Starlets advancing to the next round based on aggregate score.
Both teams have their sights set on making their second appearance in the WAFCON tournament. The Harambee Starlets made their debut in the 2016 edition held in Cameroon, and now they aim to secure their next appearance. Similarly, the Mares are eager to make their mark and showcase their progress since their last participation.
In the first leg of this crucial tie, the Mares faced early attacks from the home side but found their rhythm midway through the first half. Keitumetse Dithebe, an attacker from Gaborone United, broke the deadlock with a goal in the 37th minute. However, the Harambee Starlets quickly responded with a penalty kick just before halftime, leveling the score. The second half saw sustained attacks from the Kenyan side, but the Mares held firm at the back, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
The Mares can rely on the experience and skill of players like Refilwe Tholakele and Sedilame Bosija, who recently won the CAF Women’s Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns. Tholakele, awarded the Golden Boot, played a pivotal role in her team’s historic triumph, scoring two goals in the final. Her success highlights the significance of her contribution to the Mares’ campaign.
As the Mares head into this crucial clash, they must draw on their collective strength and determination. The opportunity to qualify for WAFCON 2024 is within their grasp, and they must seize it. With the support of their coach, the inclusion of Da Rosa in the technical team, and the talent of their players, the Mares have the potential to rewrite their own history and make a lasting impact on women’s football in Botswana.