Galaxy find GU’s kryptonite in six-year football war
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 13, 2026 10:33
But whilst the Reds, as GU are called, have found ways to conquer their rivals in the league, Galaxy Stars appear to have discovered their kryptonite when knockout football comes calling. The Jwaneng outfit delivered another crushing blow to GU's cup ambitions on Saturday, edging their rivals 1-0 in the African Hero Top 8 semi-final at the National Stadium to book a final date with Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Forward Kgotso Radithongwa's 18th-minute strike settled the contest, extending Galaxy's recent knockout dominance over the Reds and adding another chapter to a rivalry that has increasingly defined the domestic football landscape. The two clubs have emerged as the dominant forces of local football's post-COVID-19 era, tightening their grip on domestic silverware whilst traditional giants have struggled to break their stranglehold. Since league football resumed in the 2021–2022 season, Galaxy and GU have shared all five completed Premiership championships. GU claimed the crown in 2022 before Galaxy responded with back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
The Reds subsequently reclaimed the championship in 2025 and successfully defended it in 2026. Their dominance has extended into the Orange FA Cup, where GU completed a remarkable three-title streak in 2023 before Galaxy followed with three consecutive triumphs between 2024 and 2026.
Indeed, since 2019, the two clubs have amassed 13 major domestic trophies between them, with Galaxy holding a slender advantage at seven titles to GU's six, courtesy of their Mascom Top 8 triumph in 2019. However, the rivalry has produced contrasting fortunes.
Whilst GU have enjoyed the upper hand in recent league meetings, Galaxy have repeatedly delivered when cup survival is at stake. The Jwaneng team eliminated GU from the 2024 Orange FA Cup quarter-finals following a dramatic 13-12 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw. They repeated the punishment in the 2026 Orange FA Cup semi-finals before adding Saturday's African Hero Top 8 triumph.
Three consecutive knockout eliminations against the same opponents have raised questions about why the Reds continue to struggle against Galaxy when cup survival is at stake. Yet the latest victory was particularly significant, coming just seven days after Galaxy suffered a 2-1 league defeat to the Reds. Interim Galaxy head coach, Seemo Mpatane, revealed that the setback provided the foundation for his side's tactical preparations, with the technical team spending the week addressing weaknesses exposed by GU's attacking play.
'We had to work on those things in the middle of the week, more so that we played them seven days ago and lost 2-1. I thought the game could have gone either way, but we lost because of the crosses. We worked on all those things, and today it paid off,' he said.
Although GU remained a constant attacking threat, with goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane the busier of the two shot-stoppers, Galaxy displayed greater defensive discipline and organisation.
Their approach focused on limiting spaces, reducing the effectiveness of GU's crosses and ensuring the Reds struggled to convert their attacking pressure into goals.
Radithongwa epitomised that transformation. Beyond scoring the winner, the youngster impressed Mpatane with his defensive contribution, particularly in containing GU's Liberian international Sheikh Sesay.
'If you look at Kgotso, last season he was a marvel to watch on our attacking side, but he struggled on our defensive side. If you look at how he handled Sesay today, defensively, very impressive,' Mpatane said. 'That is the thing that impressed me the most, more than the goal.'
For the young tactician, the performance demonstrated how Galaxy's emphasis on developing complete players capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch is beginning to pay dividends.
Beyond tactics, Mpatane believes the rivalry has become a battle for supremacy that demands more than ordinary motivation. Before Saturday's encounter, he reminded his players of the long-running contest between the two clubs, challenging them to protect Galaxy's standing in domestic football.
'For the past six years, if I'm not mistaken, Galaxy and GU have shared all the trophies. I told the boys that today we are continuing our war, our six-year war is continuing, so today we have to come out victorious,' he said.
The message appeared to resonate as Galaxy battled through fatigue from a congested fixture schedule to secure another final appearance. Mpatane praised his players for their fighting spirit, particularly their willingness to cover spaces and maintain defensive discipline despite playing matches every three days. The victory also strengthened his growing reputation, with the young tactician celebrating involvement in three consecutive cup final campaigns.
'To go to three finals in a row is something that makes me happy. I'm happy, it's impressive, but I'll stay as humble as possible because I think I have a long way to go,' he said.
Meanwhile, GU coach Sean Connor has refused to panic, maintaining that winning a historic third successive league championship and returning to the CAF Champions League remains his side's primary objective. Galaxy now turn their attention to Chiefs on December 12, in a repeat of last season's Orange FA Cup final, with another trophy within touching distance.
For GU, the recurring cup heartbreak against Galaxy has exposed a growing vulnerability in knockout football, where tactical discipline and the ability to seize decisive moments have repeatedly separated the two rivals. Whilst both giants continue to trade blows and silverware in local football's post-pandemic battle for supremacy, Galaxy have mastered the art of landing the knockout punch when the stakes are highest.