Gaborone trips to define Galaxy's season
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday March 23, 2024 06:00
Jwaneng Galaxy and BDF XI are the only teams to have played one game less. The excitement mounts with each passing game, with the climax set to be more interesting. Defending champions, Galaxy are set for thrilling encounters against title rivals and Gaborone giants, Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU).
Galaxy are in pole position to defend the title as they lead the pack with 44 points. The Galaxy Stars are a point ahead of Rollers and boast a 10-point lead over GU. Galaxy are set for two crucial trips to the National Stadium for two ties against the Gaborone giants in the last three games of the league.
The champions play Rollers on May 11 marking Week 27 of the BPL fixture list. Galaxy beat Rollers 1-0 in the first game at home at the Galaxy Stadium. After the Rollers tie, Galaxy will take on GU on May 25 as they return to the National Stadium. The Reds are the only team to keep a clean sheet against Galaxy in their backyard, with the match ending in a goalless draw in the first round.
The two trips to the National Stadium could prove to be season-defining for the champions. It is a 340km journey over two weeks that could hurt Galaxy's title defence as the Gaborone giants pose a substantive threat. Away games against Rollers have seen Galaxy clinch victory just once, suffer three defeats, and draw on three occasions in seven meetings. Galaxy are leaky on the road to Popa as they conceded nine times but found the back on eight occasions, as the numbers give Popa an edge over their title rivals. The champions would have some confidence against The Reds as they have won twice in GU's backyard while only conceding defeat twice.
The two teams played to a draw on four occasions in Gaborone with Galaxy letting in eight goals away to GU in seven meetings.
The Galaxy Stars will interestingly conclude the season against diamond rivals, Orapa United at home in a tie set for June 1 while the Gaborone derby is slated for April 6. Meanwhile, when action resumes next week, Galaxy travel to Sam Sono Stadium to take on Nico United on Saturday afternoon. TAFIC and Holy Ghost clash at the Francistown Council Stadium while Orapa United visit Masitaoka FC at the Dinaledi Academy Stadium. VTM Arena will host a clash between BDF XI and Sua Flamingoes as Eleven Angels host Rollers at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. On Sunday afternoon, GU are away to Morupule Wanderers at the Palapye Stadium as Police XI welcome Matebele FC at the Lobatse Sports Complex.