Galaxy carry twin CAF hopes
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday October 6, 2025 06:31
The Reds were eliminated in the opening round by Tanzanian giants Simba SC, succumbing to a 2–1 aggregate score after a 1–0 home defeat and a 1–1 draw away.
The setback places additional pressure on Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana's remaining contender in CAF club competitions. Galaxy advanced to the second preliminary round after overcoming Malawi's Mighty Wanderers in a dramatic penalty shootout. Having lost 1–0 away, Galaxy secured a 1–0 home victory before triumphing 7–6 on penalties. Their progression underscores the club's growing stature on the continental stage.
Galaxy's consistent performances in the CAF Champions League, notably reaching the group stages in 2022 and 2024, have been instrumental in elevating Botswana's position in CAF's five-year rankings. These rankings determine the number of clubs each member association may enter into CAF competitions. Currently, associations ranked in the top 12 can enter two teams in each of the two club competitions, whilst those ranked 13th and below are limited to a single team per competition.
At present, Botswana occupies the 16th spot in the CAF five-year rankings, just four places shy of the coveted 12th position. The country's ascent from 19th to 16th reflects the impact of Galaxy's continental exploits, which have contributed significantly to the national coefficient. The positive ranking is also aided by Orapa United, who reached the group stages of the Confederation Cup last year.
The team earned the local game two points from their exploits despite finishing winless and at the bottom of their group. At the start of the next season, Botswana football will, however, remain on six points. GU's early elimination means that Botswana's current tally remains at six points, with the potential for additional points contingent on Galaxy's performance in the upcoming rounds. Should Galaxy advance to the group stages for the third time in five appearances, Botswana could bolster its ranking and inch closer to securing double representation in CAF competitions. This achievement would align Botswana with regional peers like South Africa, whose clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are in the CAF Champions League, whilst Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs take part in the Confederation Cup. In addition to South Africa, Angola also has four representatives in the two competitions, and the two countries are the only ones from the COSAFA region. As GU's exit presents a challenge, Galaxy's continued success offers a beacon of hope.
The team's journey is not just about individual triumphs but a collective aspiration to elevate Botswana's footballing profile on the continental stage.