GU chase first three-peat in seven years
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 30, 2026 11:05
The Money Machine have been ruthless in their title defence, collecting maximum points to establish a four-point advantage at the summit.
They are one of only two unbeaten teams remaining in the league, alongside surprise challengers Tonota FC, but crucially, GU are the only side yet to drop a point. The Reds have scored 12 goals and conceded only three, boasting a positive goal difference of nine. Their impressive start has been characterised by attacking efficiency, defensive discipline, and an ability to grind out narrow victories.
However, beyond their early dominance, GU are chasing a feat that has eluded the club throughout its history. Not since Township Rollers completed four successive championships between 2015–2016 and 2018–2019 has a local club managed three consecutive league titles. Jwaneng Galaxy came closest, winning back-to-back championships in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 before GU interrupted their reign. The Money Machine subsequently defended their crown last season and now have an opportunity to achieve what their predecessors could not.
Historically, sustained dominance has been rare. Extension Gunners won three successive championships between 1992 and 1994, whilst Mogoditshane Fighters enjoyed a similar period of supremacy around the turn of the millennium. For GU, another title would deliver their first-ever three-peat and take their overall championship tally to 10, six behind Rollers' record 16. Their latest challenge has been strengthened by calculated recruitment, technical stability, and a formidable home record. Despite losing influential players, including attacking midfielder Mpho Kgaswane to Mochudi Centre Chiefs, the Reds resisted a wholesale rebuilding exercise. Long-serving defender Tshepo Maikano also retired after 11 years, whilst striker Godfrey Tauyatswala departed following the conclusion of his loan spell from Rollers. He subsequently joined Galaxy after being transferred by Rollers.
Instead, GU concentrated on targeted reinforcements, bringing in promising midfielder Tlotlo Keipidile on loan from Black Lions, Thapelo Babedi from BDF XI and Bame Morwalela from Sua Flamingoes. The strategy has allowed the club to refresh its squad with younger talent whilst maintaining the core responsible for consecutive championship triumphs. Equally important, the new arrivals have increased competition for places without disrupting established combinations.
Furthermore, the stability surrounding head coach Sean Connor has been instrumental in maintaining the team's momentum. The Northern Irishman, appointed in February, guided GU through an impressive winning sequence during the latter stages of last season and has carried that consistency into the new campaign. His side have demonstrated their ability to win in different circumstances, including convincing performances and narrow victories over Police XI and Orapa United.
The GU Stadium has also become an important fortress. Having ended last season with a strong sequence of home victories, the Reds have continued to make home advantage count, frustrating visiting opponents whilst consistently collecting points. Moreover, the club's administrative and financial stability under Nicholas Zakhem has provided a platform for continuity, particularly in recruitment and technical planning.
However, GU's perfect start has not gone unchallenged. Newly promoted Tonota have emerged as the biggest surprise, collecting 14 points from six matches. With four victories and two draws, the newcomers are the only other unbeaten side, sitting four points behind the champions. Sua Flamingoes have also accumulated 14 points, although from seven matches, whilst Mochudi Centre Chiefs remain in contention with 10 points from six outings.
Under Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Chiefs are attempting to end an 11-year championship drought, but Wednesday's 1–0 defeat to Galaxy exposed their inconsistency. Galaxy, meanwhile, arguably pose the greatest long-term threat. The former champions have collected 10 points from five matches, leaving them eight behind GU with a game in hand. Their midweek victory over Chiefs provided a timely boost ahead of Saturday's anticipated meeting with the Money Machine, a fixture that could significantly influence the early championship race.
Rollers, the last club to achieve a three-peat, have endured a difficult start, collecting five points from five matches amidst financial difficulties and coaching changes. Furthermore, GU's ambitions extend beyond the league championship, with the Reds also pursuing a potential domestic treble through the FNB Premiership, African Hero Top 8, and Orange FA Cup. Their elimination from the CAF Champions League by Tanzania's Young Africans has reduced the burden of continental travel, allowing Connor to concentrate on domestic silverware. However, competing on three fronts presents its own challenges, particularly in managing player fitness, squad rotation and maintaining consistency.
The African Hero Top 8 offers an immediate opportunity to add silverware, whilst the Orange FA Cup presents another route to domestic glory. Consequently, the depth of GU's refreshed squad could prove decisive as the campaign progresses. Nevertheless, with 24 league matches remaining, GU's pursuit of history is far from complete. For now, the Money Machine have laid a formidable foundation. Six matches, six victories, and a four-point cushion represent an emphatic statement of intent.
The road to a third successive crown remains long, but GU have already set the standard for their challengers. With a perfect start, a settled technical bench, and renewed squad depth, the Money Machine have positioned themselves for a potentially defining season, one that could end the seven-year wait for a Premiership three-peat whilst opening the door to an unprecedented domestic treble.