Galaxy relish GU test as Top 8 giants collide
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:51
Instead, the Jwaneng outfit are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against the league's pacesetters, with assistant coach Seemo '16' Mpatane insisting that the Reds' impressive run is motivation rather than intimidation. Galaxy secured their semi-final berth following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Township Rollers at the Galaxy Stadium on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of a 57th-minute strike from Rwandan forward, Gilbert Mugisha. The result set up a heavyweight confrontation with GU, who have enjoyed a perfect start to their league campaign, winning all their matches while maintaining an impressive defensive record.
However, Mpatane, who was in charge in the absence of suspended head coach Ivan Minnaert, is unfazed by the prospect of confronting the high-flying Reds. 'We are never worried. In football, you reduce worries and take those things as motivation,' Mpatane said. 'When you play a team like GU, who have not lost a game and have won all their games, it is a confidence booster for the boys.'
Interestingly, the two sides are expected to meet in the league before their cup semi-final showdown on November 7, setting the stage for a fascinating double confrontation. For Galaxy, the encounters present an opportunity to measure themselves against a side that has been sweeping aside opponents in domestic competition. Nevertheless, Mpatane believes every remaining team deserves its place in the last four. 'At this point of the tournament, anyone who comes, we just accept and prepare for them because all four teams that have made it to the semi-finals deserve to be there,' he said.
While Galaxy are eager to confront the league leaders, their passage to the semi-finals was anything but straightforward. Rollers, under newly appointed Serbian coach, Sreten Pavlović, had a golden opportunity to seize control in the 15th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, Molaodi Tlhalefang squandered the chance, blasting his spot kick over the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, Galaxy almost punished the visitors when Ayanda Lukhele found space inside the penalty area, only to see his effort strike the upright. Consequently, the teams headed into the halftime break deadlocked at 0-0 following an opening period characterised by missed opportunities. With the afternoon heat taking its toll, Galaxy initially adopted a patient possession-based approach, forcing Rollers to chase the ball across the expansive pitch. However, the hosts returned from the break with renewed attacking intent, and their breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute.
Rollers fullback, Phomolo Moahi, failed to make an interception, allowing Mugisha to break clear on the left with only goalkeeper Tshomarelo More to beat. The Rwandan made no mistake, calmly converting to send Galaxy into the last four. Reflecting on the encounter, Mpatane admitted that the scorching conditions had influenced his team's tactical approach. 'In the first half, the plan was to keep the ball more and run less. We wanted to play the ball around so that they chased us. 'Our field is quite big, so we had to make them run and work more off the ball without us running too much,' he explained.
However, Mpatane conceded that Galaxy's wastefulness remained a concern, particularly with a defensively disciplined GU awaiting them. 'We had a lot of chances in the first half. Even when we moved the ball around, we could have scored three or four goals. It is the story of our lives in our games,' he lamented. Despite those frustrations, Mpatane maintained that Galaxy's attacking machinery remained intact. 'We are creating so many opportunities. We do not have any problem going forward. Our triangles are intact. We just have to work on finishing,' he said.
The Teams Galaxy Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Leinanyane, Moagi Sechele, Tebogo Kopelang, Chicco Molefe, Keitumetse Samunzala, Manda Nongo (Kutlwelo Mpolokang), Gift Moyo (Namib Eimsb), Kgotso Radithongwa (Tshepo Kesebale), Ayanda Lukhele, Gilbert Mugisha (Boikobo Rannyena) Rollers Tshomarelo More, Phomolo Moahi, Onkarabile Ratanang, Basiamisi Sebapalo, Temo Segopolo (Macnaulty Mpotsang), Jackie Tapologo, Marcel Papama, Thembelani Majingo (Katlego Molefe), Molaodi Thalefang, Moriana Moriana (Tebogo Mogotsi), Tlotlo Kgaolo (Bakang Seboko)
Galaxy 1 (Mugisha 57th) Rollers 0