Galaxy, Rollers in blood and thunder clash
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 27, 2023 12:36
Reigning champions, Jwaneng Galaxy, welcome the record league winners, Township Rollers in what is expected to be a thrilling contest. Galaxy have turned the Galaxy Stadium into a fortress since their promotion in 2015, as teams do not enjoy the trip to the diamond mining town.
Rollers, however, have been the most successful visiting team at the venue with three wins against their weekend's opponents. The Galaxy Stars are recovering from a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of rookies, Matebele FC, in the previous weekend. Tomorrow's tie against Rollers is now a must-win for Galaxy as they look to bring back their title quest on track.
It has, however, not been a bad start for the champions, as they recorded two wins in their opening two games. The team has kept a clean sheet on two occasions and only conceded in the defeat to Matebele. Galaxy, however, face a team on song. Rollers are on a three-game winning streak and they remain the only team in the league to avoid defeat thus far. This is a team with the most attacking threat with 10 goals in just three games, while Popa has only conceded once.
The weekend's 5-0 riot over Holy Ghost echoed the Blues' ruthless ambitions and Galaxy should be worried. The home side would have to come up with a plan to thwart the attacking threat of Segolame Boy and Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele. The pair has contributed six goals, with Boy leading the league charts with four.
Team news
Galaxy Galaxy's injury woes are easing as the team welcomed back several key players in the weekend's 2-1 loss. However, forward Omaatla Kebatho and midfielder Dynamo Fredricks remain out of contention. Midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku is also out with a knee injury, while anchorman Kutlwelo Mpolokang will have to pass a late fitness as he recovers from an ankle strain.
Rollers Forwards, Sphamandla Sangweni and Tlotlo Kgaolo's debuts will have to wait a while longer as the duo is nursing injuries. On the positive, Obonwe Maome and Phenyo Serameng return after missing last weekend's 5-0 win over Holy Ghost.
Previous encounters
This will be the 14th league encounter between the two sides since the 2015-2016 season. Rollers have dominated the tie over the past seven seasons with five wins. Galaxy on the other hand has a single victory over their weekend's opponents while the tie ended in a draw on seven occasions. Rollers have beaten Galaxy at the Galaxy Stadium on three occasions, while the Galaxy Stars are yet to win against Rollers in their own backyard. It has, however, not been a fixture that produces a lot of goals, recording an average of 1.7 goals per match. Galaxy have the biggest win with a 3-1 score line in January 2019, while the five goals scored in Rollers' 3-2 victory in December 2019 remains the fixture with the highest goals.
What you need to know
Venue: Galaxy Stadium
Ticket prices: P30
Venue capacity: 2,000
Projected weather conditions: Sunny with temperatures at a maximum of 34 Celsius.
Twenty percent chances of rain. Humidity is at 24% and wind to blow at 19km/h. Gate open: Noon Kick-off: 4pm
Rest of the weekend's fixtures
On Saturday afternoon, there is another diamond team and a Gaborone giant clash at the Itekeng Stadium as Orapa United welcome Gaborone United. Masitaoka will look for their first goals of the season as they visit Nico United at the Sam Sono Stadium. Security Systems, with two wins on the trot, aim for a third as they are away to winless Sua Flamingoes at the Sowa Town Council Stadium. Holy Ghost will host Eleven Angels at the VTM Arena. There are only two games on Sunday afternoon, with BDF XI and Police XI battling for three points at the Lobatse Sports Complex. VTM FC will welcome on-form Matebele FC at the VTM Arena. All the games will kick off at 4:30pm.