Stumble tests BDF XI’s backbone

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday May 5, 2026 09:18

The Carmo Girls, as they are called, had enjoyed a near-perfect opening half of the season, turning Sapolamokwatla Grounds into a stubborn fortress and riding the home advantage to the summit of the South Stream. Galaxy, who themselves are chasing the pace at the top, made their statement with a clinical performance that exposed the gap between home comfort and away demands. The result not only ended BDF XI’s unbeaten status, but also cracked open a title race that had started to lean in their favour.

The timing could not be more significant as BDF XI now face a defining stretch of fixtures away from Sapolamokwatla. Amongst the remaining away trips are three ties against top-half opposition that will likely determine whether their early-season dominance was a launchpad or a false peak. These came against Galaxy and ended in a loss. They visit reigning champions Gaborone United (GU) while also a trip to Double Action is on. While BDF XI were learning painful lessons in Jwaneng, Red Roses dismantled EL Ports 13-0, a result that boost their goal difference in a season that is set for an exciting climax.

They now sit second on the log, four points behind BDF XI but with two games in hand, quietly shaping into the most dangerous chasers in the competition. Galaxy, meanwhile, strengthened their own claim with the win over BDF XI. They now sit third, eight points off the top but also with two games in hand, firmly embedded in a title conversation that is becoming increasingly congested rather than clear.