Champions League exit sets back Galaxy’s growth
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 4, 2025 08:57
The Galaxy Stars were eliminated from Africa’s premier interclub competition by Zambia’s ZESCO United a fortnight ago.
The team had taken time off the league action because of the Champions League demands and missed four league rounds during the preliminary rounds stage.
“I think staying in CAF would have been magnificent. I think we have a big enough squad to go and compete in all fronts and you would want to be there to play and compete against the best teams,” said Connor.
“So, I would rather be in CAF than not.”
Galaxy returned to league action over the weekend and beat Santa Green 2-1 in a highly contested FNB Premiership match played at GU Stadium on Friday evening.
The former champions are now fifth on the log and four games behind schedule.
Connor said despite the demanding tasks of travels and match congestion, staying in the CAF Champions League would have massively improved his side into a better team.
He further heaped praise on his day opponents, Santa Green as he said they are proving to be a tough competitor. It remained goalless until the half-time break, but Galaxy had a fair sight of taking the lead before being kept at bay by an equally impressive Veggies’ defence.
Five minutes into the second half, Thabang Sesinyi opened the scoring with a brilliantly taken header. The forward doubled his tally with another headed goal to give Galaxy a 2-0 lead in the 65th minute.
The Veggies, however, pulled one back three minutes later through a well-taken strike by Andre Domingos. The former champions held on to take maximum points against the rookies.
The teams:
Santa Green: Onkgopotse Teemane, Clifford Gaobatlelwe, Benson Mosokobanji, Keabetswe Obonetse, Joel Chilau, Otarongwa Nthumolang (Windie Thuso), Josmar Quiteque, Ontiretse Ranthakeng, Andre Domingos (Thatayaone Magazi), Otsile Makaita, Lucky Ndou (Marema Gabohole).
Galaxy: Michael James, Bernard Kebotseng, Tebogo Kopelang, Thabo Maponda, Chico Molefe, Manda Nongo, Olebogeng Ramotse, Neo Mokhachane, Thabang Sesinyi, Dynamo Fredericks (Onkabetse Makgantai), Kgotso Radithongwa (Omaatla Kebatho).
Santa Green 1 (Domingos 68th) Galaxy 2 (Sesinyi 50th, 65th)