GU, Galaxy Dominate Transfer Market
Staff Writer | Monday August 28, 2017 16:30
GU, on a rebuilding exercise following years of absence in challenging for league honours, look set to return to the top if the arrival of new players is anything to go by. Head coach, Rodolfo Zapata last season decried depth in his squad with the club going through a financial crisis. He was forced to rely on young players but managed to finish in the top five. At the end of last season, GU management announced that this time around they would make their presence felt in the transfer market as they look to challenge for honours. They raided Mochudi Centre Chiefs and snatched two enterprising midfielders, Arnold Mampori and Dirang Moloi. They also brought in former national Under-20 holding midfielder, Ogomoditse Baoleni. They also strengthened their attack with the arrival of Thatayaone Kgamanyane from Black Forest. Kgamanyane was amongst one of the most exciting attackers in his maiden season in the elite league. Other notable signings are Gogontle Marumo and Oaitse Boipelo from Black Peril and Morupule Wanderers respectively. Boipelo received a call up to the senior national team.
Galaxy, who finished second in the league last season, were also in rampant mood in the transfer market. After parting ways with several players, they also refined their attack with the capture of two proven goal scorers, Patrick Kaunda and Terrence Mandaza. Mandaza finished as the top goal scorer last season but was released by defending league champions, Township Rollers. Ayanda Molefhe who was linked with a move to Jwaneng last season finally joined from Chiefs with his Magosi teammate, Lesego Molemogi. Exciting left back, Oabile Makopo also joined from Extension Gunners. The Mascom Top 8 champions have been busy in the pre-season and recently went for a training camp in South Africa. They played several friendly matches including against Mamelodi Sundowns. Sundowns were expected to play another friendly match against Galaxy this past weekend, but failed to show up. Galaxy announced that the African champions missed their flight to Botswana forcing the cancellation of the match. Having won the Mascom Top 8 trophy, Mike Sithole will be hoping to win his second league title in Botswana.
New comers, Sharps Shooting Stars, TAFIC and Unaio Flamengo Santos also made their presence felt as they seek to secure their Premier League status. They signed a total 32 players amongst themselves. Sharps opted for experience and brought in Amos Godirwang and Boitumelo Modisaotsile from Gunners and Notwane respectively. They join Moemedi Moatlhaping and Monageng Thaele who were key in Sharps promotion last season. TAFIC snatched former Chiefs midfielder, Ocean Mpofu as well as Samuel Phiri. Santos signed among others, Ogomoditse Sitang from Police XI as well as Ontse Ntesa from Chiefs.
Chiefs who lost many players did not sit back and also made several key signings. Khumoetsie Kufigwa and Nelson Moreetsi who were released by Orapa United have joined. They also signed Lawrence Majawa, Lesego Lubinda, Gosego Molapisi, Thato Ogopotse and Lorato Botshelo.