Mochudi Centre Chiefs broke GU's unbeaten streak at the GU Stadium on Wednesday, inflicting a 1-0 defeat in an FNB Premiership tie. The loss meant GU missed out on a chance to go top of the log standings. It was also the second time GU lost a league match under Pantev. In the first occasion, The Reds missed an opportunity to overtake the then log leaders TAFIC with a defeat at the hands of Morupule Wanderers earlier this year. The 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most highly contested title races in recent times as GU is amongst four teams in contention. After the midweek defeat, The Reds remain fourth, three points behind log leaders and fierce rivals, Township Rollers. In between is second-placed TAFIC with 41 points, just a point behind Rollers. Defending champions, Jwaneng Galaxy are third and level on points with TAFIC, two ahead of GU. Log leadership has changed hands on four occasions since the start of the second round and GU could have done their title hopes a huge favour with a win over Chiefs.
Pantev, however, said the leaders remain within reach and his side would lick their wounds and return a much hungrier challenger. He said, despite the midweek defeat, the morale in the team remains high, although he raised defensive concerns. "There is nothing, we will continue working with our planning and our strategy. We will continue to play our style of football. (The team's morale) is too high and yes it is not possible to win all the games (even) the best teams cannot do it, and sooner or later I would lose some matches. The most important thing today was three points and everything remains in our hands," Pantev said. Nine games remain for the contenders to be the first team to lay their hands on the new FNB Premiership trophy. On GU's menu remains fellow challengers, Galaxy on the penultimate day of the season, whilst an enticing Gaborone derby tie against Rollers is expected to be played on the final day of the campaign. The Reds will, however, have to compete in the next two games in the absence of full back, Mothusi Johnson, who was shown a red card against Chiefs. GU will take a weekend off due to the Orange FA Cup schedule.
