Bench swap fuels spice to Galaxy, GU title war
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 20, 2026 13:00
The two heavyweights are inseparable on 44 points, split only by a single goal difference, with pride, psychological warfare, and intimate tactical knowledge set to shape the outcome.
With just 11 games left before the season wraps up, the margin for error has evaporated, turning tomorrow evening’s encounter into far more than a routine league fixture.
What makes the contest even more compelling is the rare role reversal on the benches. Galaxy are now under the guidance of former GU title-winning coach, Dimitar Pantev, whilst The Reds have turned to Sean Connor, the man who led Galaxy to FA Cup glory.
The two tacticians are now tasked with outwitting the very teams they recently commanded, adding a deeply personal subplot to an already fierce title race.
Connor arrives at GU at a delicate moment. The Irishman takes over from Khalid Niyonzima with the Money Machine momentum having stalled. GU have managed just one win in four second-round matches and saw their 28-game unbeaten run come to an end last weekend.
Once free scoring and defensively solid, the champions have recently looked vulnerable, conceding four goals in the second round, nearly half of their season’s total, whilst scoring just four and failing to find the net in two of those games.
In contrast, Pantev has made an immediate statement. Galaxy thrashed Extension Gunners 4-0 in his first week, despite him watching from the stands due to work permit delays. The Galaxy Stars have dropped points only once in the second round in a 1-1 draw with Orapa United, whilst keeping three clean sheets and scoring nine goals in four matches.
Galaxy will also draw confidence from their fortress-like home record. They have not lost at Galaxy Stadium since April 2023; ironically, their last defeat came against GU.
Historically, however, GU have held the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of the 10 meetings between the two sides. Five matches have ended in draws, with Galaxy claiming just a single victory.
Elsewhere this weekend, Township Rollers face Extension Gunners in a classic encounter at the GU Stadium tomorrow night. Mochudi Centre Chiefs welcome Sua Flamingoes at the Sowa Town Council Stadium, whilst Morupule Wanderers take on Orapa United in Palapye Stadium.
Black Lions face BDF XI at the Royal Aria Stadium, TAFIC travel to Matebele FC in the GU Stadium. Sunday’s fixtures include Santa Green against Nico United at the Palapye Stadium and a relegation battle between Police XI and Calendar Stars at the GU Stadium.