NEW SIGNINGS HELP GALAXY EDGE DIPLOMAT FC

It was an enjoyable debut day for the Jwaneng Galaxy’s debutants as the team kicked off their CAF Champions League campaign with a win. Galaxy beat visiting Diplomat FC 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round played at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Two second half goals from Wendell Rudath and Lucky Mokoena who were making their debut ensured the Galaxy Stars are a foot into the next round ahead of the second leg to be played this weekend in Cameroon.

Galaxy welcomed a rather less threatening opponent in Diplomat FC of Central African Republic as the home team returned to the Africa’s inter-club competition for the second successive year. Galaxy’s new head coach, Morena Ramoreboli was on the technical bench for the first time. The South African had just led Bafana Bafana to COSAFA Cup triumph in June and joined the Galaxy Stars on a two-year deal. Ramoreboli gave four new players a place in his starting line up. A new centre pair of Mphoyamodimo Keiponye and Lesego Keredilwe started at the heart of the defense. South African pair of Themba Dhladhla and Tshephang Boithatelo were on the flanks, also making their first appearances for the team.

The home side was not troubled in the first stanza of the encounter, with goalkeeper Ezekiel Morake hardly ever called into action. A rather defensive approach from the visitors allowed Galaxy to dominate proceedings on the afternoon. However they were left to rue missed chances and went into break level at 0-0. Ramoleboli introduced Lucky Mokoena in the early minutes of the second half in place of Tshephang Boithatelo.

The attacker did not take long to get off the mark and gave his new side the lead just after the hour mark.

At 1-0, Galaxy continued to press for another goal and it eventually came in the last 10 minutes of the game. Wendell Rudath who had just come on for Resaobaka Thatayane tucked in from close range to get his debut goal. Galaxy will this weekend be away to Diplomat FC in a match that will be played in Cameroon.

If Galaxy proceed into the second round, ahead waits, Simba SC of Tanzania.