Galaxy expose Rollers’ turmoil to stay in title hunt

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday January 20, 2026 10:17

Goals from Kgotso Radithongwa and Tebogo Kopelang ensured Galaxy stayed within three points of log leaders, Gaborone United (GU), as the title race increasingly shapes into a two-team affair at the midpoint of the season.

Both Galaxy and GU have played two games fewer than most of their rivals, a factor that further strengthens their credentials as the league’s standout championship contenders.

Rollers showed early intent and nearly took the lead inside five minutes when Thapelo Balatlheng forced a low save from the Galaxy goalkeeper.

The visitors enjoyed spells of dominance in the opening exchanges and appeared the sharper side before Galaxy gradually settled into the contest.

Against the run of play, Galaxy struck with their first real attempt at goal in the 37th minute, Radithongwa calmly finishing to hand the hosts a 1–0 lead heading into the break.

Galaxy emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose but remained cautious of a Rollers side pushing for an immediate equaliser.

The visitors created several chances but lacked composure in the final third, a familiar problem this season.

Their wastefulness proved costly in the 69th minute when Kopelang doubled Galaxy’s advantage, effectively killing off the contest and sealing maximum points for the home side.

Galaxy head coach, Sean Connor, said consistency would be key if his side were to mount a serious title challenge.

“We just have to keep winning. I told the players that the last 10 to 12 games are very important,” he said after the match,

“If you win as many of those as possible, you put yourself in a strong position to win the league.”

Rollers arrived in Jwaneng under a cloud of off-field challenges, having trained for only two days ahead of the fixture after being the last club to return from the festive break.

They also named a 16-man match-day squad, four short of the regulated 20, amid ongoing player exits.

Despite the turmoil, Connor was full of praise for his opponents.

“Township Rollers were good today and they made us work very hard for the victory. There were periods where they controlled the game and moved the ball well.

“We defended well as a team and overall I think we deserved to win. Whatever issues they have off the field, their players performed very well,” he said.

The teams:

Galaxy: Goitseone Phoko, Thabo Leinanyane, Moagi Sechele, Tebogo Kopelang, Chicco Molefe, Keitumetse Samunzala, Kgotso Radithongwa, Olebogeng Ramotse (Manda Nongo), Dynamo Fredericks, Thabang Sesinyi (Onkabetse Makgantai), Gift Moyo

Rollers: Bophelo Kealeboga, Bapaletswe Simon, Utlwanang Ramakgathi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Botshelo Mangena, Omphile Vissagie, Phillip Kaku, Thapelo Balatlheng (Temo Segopolo), Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Kago Koonne), Kago Sesinyi (Tlotlo Kgaolo), Kago Monyake (Lemogang Maswena)

Galaxy 2 (Radithongwa 37th, Kopelang 69th)