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BDF win only the beginning – Galaxy coach

Jwaneng Galaxy (red) claimed a 3-2 win over BDF XI on Sunday afternoon. PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Jwaneng Galaxy (red) claimed a 3-2 win over BDF XI on Sunday afternoon. PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

LOBATSE: On his coaching debut, Jwaneng Galaxy’s Pieter de Jongh, watched his side overcome; going a man and a goal down to claim a 3-2 win over BDF XI on Sunday afternoon.

The FNB Premiership thriller played at the Lobatse Sports Complex saw de Jongh kick start his Galaxy’s assignment with a win. The Dutch coach was appointed this week and replaces South African, Morena Ramoreboli, who is expected to take over the reigns at the senior national team, the Zebras. Under a new technical team, Galaxy took dominance of the tie from the first whistle but were occasionally let down by the final ball. After a series of half chances, the reigning Champions managed to break down the BDF XI defence as Thero Setsile tucked in to give Galaxy the lead in the 38th minute. The two teams headed to the recess with the visitors having a slim lead.

Five minutes into the second half, Galaxy were reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper, Victor James was sent off for deliberately handling the ball outside the penalty area. Forward, Thabang Sesinyi, was sacrificed as third choice keeper, Ryan Brown got rare minutes of competitive action. Galaxy’s Gilbert Baruti saw a free kick aimed at the near post well saved in the 61st minute. Three minutes later, at the other end, Godiraone Modingwane levelled the scores as his shot deflected into the net. In the 72nd minute, Brown brought down Oratile Taunyane inside the box and the referee awarded BDF a penalty. Norris Mwamba stepped up to give the soldiers the lead in the 74th minute. Galaxy showed great resilience as with 10 minutes to time, substitute Neo Mokhachane hit the side net on the break. Five minutes later, substitute Thabiso Bante squeezed a powerful low shot in to the near post to make it 2-2. The home side had a temporary relief in the last two minutes of regulation time.

Kagiso Matlou denied Tlamelo Kolagano with a one handed save before Bante shot over the bar from inside the box. In the fourth of the seven additional minutes, Bante flicked a long ball to Mokhachane and with a half volley the latter hit to roof of the net for the winner. Speaking to SportMonitor, de Jongh was happy that his side managed to turn the results despite being a man down. He, however, did not have kind words for the referee and his assistant as he labelled them the ‘man of the match’ as he felt his side was robbed with the red card incident. Galaxy has since appealed James' dismissal.

He said the team could only build on the weekend’s win and are on the right course to successfully defend the title. “I signed a two-year contract and I am here at the club to help. I am 53-years-old and I have worked in 14 countries across the world and also with a lot of success and here at this club to help. The club is very ambitious and I am also very ambitious and together with the club I must say nice things are coming,” de Jongh said. The teams BDF XI: Kagiso Matlou, Bonno Sepako, Ronald Setshego, Onkabetse Seforo, Godiraone Modingwane, Ronnie Kwarare, Banele Ndzabandzaba, Norris Mwamba, Onkemetse Powe, Poloko Nkalolang (Ofentse Mbaiwa), Tshephang Kelebogile (Oratile Taunyane)

Galaxy: Victor James, Moagi Sechele (Neo Mokhachane), Thabo Leinanyane, Tebogo Kopelang, Tlamelo Kolagano, Mxolisi Mkhonto (Olebogeng Ramotse), Dynamo Fredericks (Thabiso Bante), Gilbert Baruti, Thabang Sesinyi (Ryan Brown), Thero Setsile, Omaatla Kebatho Cautions: Matlou, Brown, Kebatho Dismissal: James

BDF 2 (Modingwane 64th, Mwamba 74th) Galaxy 3 (Setsile 38th, Bante 85th, Mokhachane 90+4)

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