Orapa, Galaxy continue big brother battle
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday January 19, 2018 14:50
The two have shown little respect for each other, with the latest entrant, Galaxy of recent stealing the limelight. United have failed to unlock Galaxy in their six meetings in all competitions. The closest they came was in the Mascom Top 8 final when Galaxy came from behind in the second half of extra time to win 4-3.
In the league, Orapa have only managed one goal in four meetings. Galaxy beat United 2-0 in the first round of the season in Jwaneng.
The diamond brothers are meeting on Saturday at Itekeng Stadium. Galaxy are yet to concede at Itekeng, a venue, previously regarded as a fortress.
A lot has changed since the first round fixture, with Orapa bringing in new keys in a bid to unlock the stubborn Galaxy defence. Tried and tested Jerome ‘JJ’ Ramatlhakwana, has already made an instant impact at Orapa, scoring twice in midweek to salvage a point in a 4-4 draw against Sharps Shooting Stars.
After the dream midweek introduction, all eyes will be on the burly Ramatlhakwana to end the Galaxy dominance
Orapa have another new signing, Lesego Galenamotlhale who could also determine where the pendulum swings with his command in the middle of the park. Galenamotlhale was substituted shortly after half time for Patrick Lenyeletse in the Sharps match. Stand in coach, Daniel Nare said he rushed the use of the new signings who were a week old at the club to get them in a better shape for Galaxy.
“They were a bit rusty and I wanted to improve their shape for our game against Galaxy. They are experienced and they gave a good account of themselves,” Nare told Mmegi Sport.
Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Gift Moyo and Ronald Chikomo are also expected to start behind Ramatlhakwana and their contribution cannot be discounted.
Galaxy who are fresh from a 3-1 romp over Mochudi Centre Chiefs will be awake to the new changes in Orapa. Although set ups are different they would know the threat Ramatlhakwana poses.
But they have a potent frontline, which has Patrick Kaunda, Thero Setsile, Tebogo Sembowa and Terrence Mandaza.
Galaxy would want to maintain the chase and reduce the gap on log leaders Township Rollers in any case they slip.
Rollers meet the league’s punching bags, Gilport Lions who are rooted at the bottom of the table. Lions are toothless following a mass exodus of players at the end of last year. They were humiliated 4-0 by Extension Gunners in a midweek encounter. Rollers, 32 points above Lions, would be expected to cruise when the two meet on Saturday evening at the University of Botswana Stadium.
Meanwhile, third-placed Miscellaneous will look to continue their rich vein of form against a lacklustre Police X1 at the Otse Police College.
Gaborone United are expected to claim the scalp of fading Mochudi Centre Chiefs when the two meet at the Molepolole Sports complex. Sankoyo Bush Bucks will be away to Security Systems and in the last of the Saturday fixtures, TAFIC welcome relegation rivals, Flamingo Santos. BDF XI and Extension Gunners meet on Sunday at Molepolole Sports Complex while Sharps and Black Forest will battle it out at the Lobatse Sports Complex.