GU crown dominant season with comeback win over BDF XI
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday May 26, 2026 09:30
Despite conceding early in the match, GU showed the resilience that had defined their campaign, fighting back to dominate large periods of the encounter and eventually claim all three points.
Speaking after the match, GU coach Sean Conor praised the character of his players and described the season as a remarkable achievement.
“I think this season for this group of players from the start has been fantastic,” said Conor, who only joined the club in January.
“I joined the team in January and hopefully I added just enough to get us over the line, but I think we did more than enough. We are about 12 points or more ahead of the other teams and that is fantastic,” he stated.
Conor also said although the game proved difficult, his side deserved a more comfortable victory.
“It was a tough game, but we were by far the better team for long periods and probably deserved to win by a couple more goals. What matters is that we got the win and the three points,” he said.
The Irish coach was particularly impressed by the team’s mentality after going behind early against BDF XI.
“The character of this team speaks volumes. They can concede after two minutes and still come back and dominate the game,” he said.
Conor has now turned his attention to continental football, with GU expected to represent Botswana in next season’s CAF Champions League. He believes the club is capable of reaching the group stages if they strengthen wisely.
“Last season they lost 1-0 to Simba, which is a very big and financially strong team. My job now together with the owner is to sit down, recruit well and see if we can push for the group stages,” he said.
“We have good players in every position. We only need three or four additions to create more competition in the squad.”
Meanwhile, BDF XI coach Teenage Mpote stated he was not overly concerned by the defeat but admitted his side struggled in front of goal throughout the season.
“I’m not worried about today’s result, but our concern is the scoring opportunities,” Mpote said.
“This season was more of a building phase, but next season we have to deliver,” he said.
Mpote added that BDF XI’s target next season is to finish in the top four and challenge for silverware. He also identified striking, playmaking and goalkeeping as key areas needing reinforcement.
The teams:
GU: Thabo Motswagole, Tatenda Gora, Ivan Kampberipa, (Lebogang Ditsele), Thato Kebue, Sheikh Sesay, (Lethabo Ogotseng), Thabang Khuduga, (Omphile Ramoagi), Karabo Phiri, Kamogelo Moloi, (Godfrey Tauyatswala), Mpho Kgaswane, Kgamanyane, Thabo Maponda
BDF XI: Kagiso Matlou, Bonnie Kwarare, Bonno Sepako, tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Ronald Setshego, Bakang Otisitswe, Mxolisi Mkhonto, Tshephang Kelebogile, Thapelo Babedi, Ofentse Mbaiwa, Norris Mwamba
GU 2 (Kgamanyane 16th, 88th) BDF XI 1