GU wrap up league title in style

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday May 27, 2025 14:57

GU beat cross town rivals, Township Rollers 2-0 in a league match played at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was moment to savour for the Reds as they were given a guard of honour by their sworn rivals and put a cherry on top with a win on the day in which the team also received winners’ medals and league trophy.

In front of a fair crowd, Thatayone Kgamanyane opened the scores for GU as early as the 13th minute. The forward was at the end of a well played quick free kick by Lebogang Ditsele and put one past young goalkeeper, Karamelo Kgosipula. Rollers tried to pull a goal back when Marcel Papama shot over the bar from outside the box on the 23rd minute after a good move by the team. A minute later, Godfrey Tauyatswala headed over the bar as Rollers chased an equaliser. The forward came closer on the 37th minute as he intercepted a backpass but with the keeper to beat he shot wide. GU doubled the lead on the brink of half time when Kgamanyane finished off a goalkeeping blunder from Kgosipula.

GU carried a 2-0 lead into the half time break. The second half was bit slower than that the first until the 70th minute when substitute, Switberth Kum was denied by the keeper on goal. Rollers came closer again with six minutes to time with Kum again but once again the keeper came tops as GU bagged the maximum points and the city's bragging rights.

Speaking to journalists after the game, GU head coach, Dimitar Pantev said he was impressed with his side’s professional job on the afternoon. The tactician however did not want to peep into the next season yet but admitted the team needs some reinforcement ahead of their return in to the CAF Champions League. “I think it is not correct from my side now to talk about the next season. My opinion is that GU has to add some quality players, (now is) just young players on the bench without experience. I think with three or four new players, we can build a competitive team for the Champions League. But also I think it’s not correct from my side now to talk about the next season,” said Pantev.

The teams:

Rollers: Karamelo Kgosipula, Motsholetsi Sikele, Simon Bapaletswe (Thabo Babutsi), Simisane Mathumo, Temo Segopolo, Mothusi Cooper, Marcel Papama (Tlotlo Kgaolo), Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Omphile Vissagie (Kago Monyake), Lemogang Maswena, Godfrey Tauyatswala (Bin Switberth Kum)

GU: Thabo Motswagole (Frank Seleke), Alphord Velaphi (Leungo Ratala) Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsile, Mpho Kgaswane, Karabo Phiri (Ryan Mooir), Sheikh Sesay (Molaodi Tlhalefang), Omphile Ramoagi (Thabang Khuduga), Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Thabo Maponda

Rollers 0 GU 2 (Kgamanyane 13th, 45th)