Simba up next on Galaxy’s menu

Chakalisa Dube | Saturday December 2, 2023 10:27

Jwaneng Galaxy are fast gaining a reputation as giant-killers on the continent. They twice defeated 1995 Champions League winners, Orlando Pirates, both home and away, to qualify for this year's group stages. Just last week, they shrugged off pressure from a hostile home crowd in Morocco to defeat one of the most successful clubs in Africa, Waydad, in a Group B opener. Thabang Sesinyi’s 33rd-minute goal was enough to seal victory for the visitors. Simba are familiar with Galaxy after the Botswana side pulled a shocker two years ago when they defeated the Tanzanian side 3-1 at the intimidating Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. But the most interesting aspect of the victory was that, at the time, there was no competitive football in Botswana owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Simba had won the first-round tie 2-0 in Gaborone.

This time around, Simba, who until recently did not have a substantive coach, are under immense pressure. In fact, their 1-1 draw against ASEC Mimosas in their opening group stage clash last week triggered a crisis meeting between the players and the executive. The club has been going through a rough patch, something that has riled their fans. Galaxy can capitalise on their poor form. Over the years, Galaxy have grown in stature. A notable number of their players have been playing Champions League football for over two years, and such experience could prove vital tomorrow. Goitseone Phoko and Benson Mangolo could be the key in the match. Phoko is amongst the players who have made a significant contribution to the team’s performance in the Champions League. He produced eight massive saves against Waydad on Saturday and saved a crucial penalty against Pirates. Galaxy can also benefit from the home crowd.

The match is gaining popularity amongst supporters and it is probable that tomorrow’s atmosphere will be electrifying. Galaxy cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Simba recently roped in Algerian coach Abdelhak Benchikha, who has a vast understanding of African football. His experience might prove handy on Saturday. He won the CAF Confederations Cup with USM Alger last season. Under him, USM went on to win the CAF Super Cup, defeating Waydad. The Tanzania side also boasts exciting players such as Clatous Chama, Mohamed Hussein, and Kibu Denis. This week, Chama told the Tanzanian media that they will use the Galaxy match to turn around the club's fortunes.