From blue to red, GU’s era of dominance has arrived
Mqondisi Dube | Monday May 4, 2026 06:00
Even a weekend defeat to the reds of TAFIC could not prevent Gaborone United (GU) from cantering to their second consecutive FNB Premiership crown. Two league titles in two seasons are a testament to a red revolution in full swing.
Between 2015 and 2019, a blue revolution, engineered by GU’s cross-town rivals, Township Rollers, was in full flight. Ironically, this was during a period of constant heartache for the red side of Gaborone, as GU struggled with off-the-field issues that spiralled into the pitch.
In 2018, GU’s troubles reached the topmost point when the team was docked three points and faced FIFA sanctions over a P400,00 debt owed to former player, Ghanaian, Bismarck Appiah. It was one of the club’s darkest periods after the team had appeared to be on firm ground following its 2009 beMOBILE Premier League title triumph.
But along the way, the plot crumbled, as the club parted ways with investor Nicholas Zakhem, who had become the team’s heartbeat. Boardroom fights erupted and became the ever-present albatross, while the FIFA ban retarded progress, leaving GU staring down the barrel.
Across town, Rollers were the envy and were flying. With GU and Mochudi Centre Chiefs battling their own demons, Rollers prospered and became the perfect reference point during a sparkling period that gave birth to four league titles on the trot.
Whilst the blue side was decisively on its perch, there was every doubt planted in the minds of the red side, with the Money Machine a pale shadow of the team that had threatened to dominate the local scene.
But seasons change, swinging from the full spring bloom to dry spells; the Rollers juggernaut came to a screeching halt. Long-time investor Jagdish Shah’s departure marked the onset of a long, dry spell for the blues.
The blue side of town is yet to recover from the effects of that divorce, as Popa limp from one challenge to another.
At a time, the blue sun’s dominance was setting, across town it signalled the rise of the red machine after the club’s reunion with Zakhem.
GU began competing effectively and seamlessly, challenging the dominance of a new kid on the block, Jwaneng Galaxy. In 2022, GU returned to the apex for the first time since 2009, winning a closely contested league title race, which featured the blues.
It was the first of three league titles in a space of five seasons for the Money Machine, a run that was sandwiched by two wins from Galaxy in 2023 and 2024.
Now that the reds have won back-to-back titles for the first time in the club’s history, there is optimism of a team ready to kick on.
After proving their mettle on the domestic front, GU would be eager to stake a claim amongst the continent’s elite. They have seen teams like Galaxy, Rollers and Orapa United reach the group stages of continental club competitions, and the bar has been set high.
Last season, GU fought bravely but fell to the Tanzanian side, Simba, in the first round of the CAF Champions League. The Reds will be eager to go further this year as they will look to build on the domestic momentum.
Zakhem wants to see GU make its mark in CAF club competitions, now that they have registered domestic success. “Of course now our target is to achieve the group stage in CAF competition, where we have failed a few times. “Furthermore, our ambition is to progress beyond the group stages, although it will not be easy,” he said. Zakhem added that the intention is to make history for Botswana football and beyond the borders.
“As a reminder, our ladies team has won the COSAFA Club Championship and it is a great achievement as no other club had done that. I can humbly say we are focused and ready to conquer,” he said.
According to Zakhem, this season’s league triumph is a massive achievement given that it is the first time that the club wins back-to-back titles. He said since the return of action from COVID-19 break there have been clear signs that GU was back to its best.
“Since Covid, the club has performed fairly well. Although we won three titles, it could have been four or even five,” Zakhem observed.
“Nonetheless, we have been dominating, counting the three consecutive FA Cups.” One of the standout performers from the last two seasons, Tatenda ‘Roadblock’ Gora, voted last campaign’s best defender, is elated with the team’s achievements. “This really means a lot. I have to give thanks to the Lord first. This is a testament of consistency, hard work and belief in myself. I feel honoured that Botswana football made me wear a jacket of metal coated with gold all over,” said Gora.
“This achievement has brought a lot of exposure and experience to me as I am recognised in CAF books, not only once but twice. I am feeling ecstatic, but I give all glory to where it belongs because without God we are nothing,” he added.
GU’s league title success was achieved amid three technical changes, with the team under the tutelage of Dimitar Pantev at the start of the season. Pantev left last year October to join Simba of Tanzania after impressive during the two teams’ CAF Champions League clashes.
Goalkeeper coach, Khalid Niyonzima, was then tasked with driving GU forward before another change in February when Sean Connor was given the job on a full-time basis.
Connor was in charge of title rivals, Galaxy but opted to jump ship and oversee GU success, while Pantev left Tanzania and joined the Jwaneng side.