'Galatico' signings key to GU win
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday May 21, 2022 05:36
Moyagoleele delivered their first league title since 2009, presenting a fresh possibility of dominating local football in the foreseeable future. In South Africa, cash-rich Sundowns adopted a ‘Galatico-style' of recruitment. The team outperformed the likes of Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs for the services of the league’s best performing players. The Pretoria-based side is not shy to go miles beyond its borders and recruit as far as South America.
Five consecutive league titles and a CAF Champions League triumph underline Sundowns’ dominance in South Africa. In a replica of Downs' efforts, the Reds are also under the financial care of construction mogul, Nikolas Zakhem. He brought his fat purse along and the team was not shy to flex its muscle in the winter transfer window. GU’s star player, Thatayaone Kgamanyane was retained on a two-year deal after he was clawed from South African outfit, Black Leopards. The club had earlier brought in Zebras’ defenders, Thato Kebue and Mothusi Johnson who made a return to the club for a second stint. Forward, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng was also signed after having a brilliant campaign in the colours of Security Systems. Mpho Kgaswane returned to the club after stints in Europe and South Africa.
Despite a brilliant start to the campaign, GU acquired the services of Onkabetse Makgantai and Thero Setsile from Orapa United, Nambian defender, Kennedy Amutenya, and former Kaizer Chiefs reserve side striker, Sizwe Twala. The team also had the future in mind with the acquisition of 19-year-old Zambian winger, Ronel Manyanga. The club reinforced the technical team ahead of the season with the capture of Innocent Morapedi, Pontsho Moloi as a more influential number two, and Khalid Niyonzima kept as goalkeeper trainer. Sundowns have successfully used the co-coaching roles where there is Steve Komphela, Manqoba Mngqithi, and Rulani Mokwena.
GU won the championship with the second most points and with the best defensive record. The team is expected to dip heavily into the transfer market once more as they prepare for another dance with the CAF Champions League.