Connor shrugs off Top 8 exit, eyes league hat-trick
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 10, 2026 10:28
The tactician insists that the Reds have a bigger prize in sight as they chase a historic third successive Premier League title. The Reds saw their African Hero Top 8 ambitions brought to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Galaxy in Saturday evening's semi-final at the National Stadium. However, Connor was quick to play down the setback, maintaining that while cup competitions remain important, defending the league championship is the club's ultimate objective. 'Look, the objective for us is to win every game we play. But obviously, the number one priority is the league. Win the league. The league gets you back into CAF,' he said. 'Don't get me wrong, you want to win cups, and cups are nice.
But the league is the number one priority of the football club.' The defeat ended GU's hopes of competing for a domestic treble this season, leaving the league and Orange FA Cup as their remaining opportunities for silverware. Nevertheless, Connor believes his charges remain firmly on course to achieve their primary target, pointing to their encouraging position in the league standings. 'We are sitting in a very nice position in the league,' he added.
The latest setback added another chapter to the increasingly competitive rivalry between the two sides, with Galaxy once again emerging victorious in a knockout encounter. Connor noted that there has been little separating the teams in recent meetings, with GU enjoying success in league encounters while Galaxy have held the upper hand in cup competitions. 'We won the league game 3-1, won the last league game 1-0, they won the last two cup games 1-0, so it's always tight games,' he said.
On Saturday, GU threatened early when Thatayaone Kgamanyane's header struck the upright in the 10th minute following an inviting delivery from Sheikh Sesay. However, Galaxy punished the missed opportunity eight minutes later when Kgotso Radithongwa broke the deadlock with what eventually proved to be the winning goal. Despite taking the lead, Galaxy were forced to absorb sustained pressure from the Reds, with goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane emerging as the busier of the two shot-stoppers. GU continued to probe for an equaliser, keeping Moerane occupied as they searched for a breakthrough against a determined Galaxy defence. Connor responded at halftime by introducing Tlotlo Keipidile and Omphile Ramoagi for Obry Amseb and Paulus Amutenya, respectively, as the Reds intensified their attacking efforts.
However, Galaxy held firm to protect their slender advantage and secure passage into the final. Reflecting on the encounter, Connor felt the difference ultimately came down to effectiveness in the decisive moments. 'I think the games between Galaxy and GU are always nip and tuck. Who deals with the situations in each box the best. They score from the set-piece,' he explained. 'I think in the first half we had more possession, probably didn't create enough clear-cut chances, but certainly in the second half of the game we dominated possession.'
Despite the elimination, Connor dismissed suggestions that the defeat could affect his players psychologically or derail their championship ambitions. 'It won't damage the players. These players are motivated. We have a very clear task. We want to win the league, we want to become triple champions,' he said. Meanwhile, Galaxy will face Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the final, setting up a repeat of last season's Orange FA Cup final, while GU turn their attention to maintaining their league title defence. The Teams Galaxy: Moerane, Leinanyane, Sakana, Kopelang, Molefe, Samunzala, Nono, Ramotse (Mpolokang), Mugisha, Radithongwa, Tauyatswala (Lukhele) GU: Motswagole, Velaphi, Gora, Kamberipa, Sesay, Paulus (Ramoagi), Ditsele (Morwalela), Amseb (Keipidile), Phiri, Kgamanyane, Maponda