Galaxy bolsters squad
Despite a blistering start to the season by the defending champions, Gaborone United, Jwaneng Galaxy are only just two points behind on 2nd spot after a succesful 10 matches run of the Botswana Football league.
The two away games against Township Rollers (2-2) and The Money Machine (1-1), revealed much about the character of Morena Ramoreboli’s players, as they had to come from behind in both matches, a trend that separates the great from the merely good.
To dethrone star-studded Gaborone United from the championship will take more than just an impressive run in ten games, and Galaxy are aware that more quality is needed in their squad if they are to once again become champions of the land.
The current transfer window has afforded the club a chance to bolster their arsenal as it appears that they will not let the opportunity pass by to do just that.
After his contract came to an end at Gaborone United in December, Thatayaone ‘Popo’ Ramatlapeng has been heavily linked with a move to Galaxy; in fact, Sun sources have revealed that, Ramoreboli has made phone contacts with the player several times in the past few days.
Ramoreboli wants to move fast as the club recently missed out on signing defender Thato Kebue, who also left Gaborone United to join Orapa United.
Jwaneng Galaxy Public Relations officer, Tankiso Morake has however strongly dismissed reports suggesting that the club was about to capture the signature of Ramatlapeng, he nevertheless admitted that they are looking to strengthen their squad.
“I am not surprised that we are being linked with so many players, but I can tell you that the coach has not yet released the names of the players he wants; as far as I am concerned, we have not approached anyone yet. We only see
it on social media, but we have not made any contact with him,” Morake told Sun Sport.
The ‘Gala Nation’ as Galaxy are fondly called by their legion of fans, have reportedly shown keen interest on the services of the veteran midfielder, Lesego Galenamotlhale whose contract at Gaborone United is coming to an end in June 2023.
The experienced midfielder has been identified as a pivotal figure to deliver title success and also inspire the dressing room.
The former Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Orapa United player, has seen limited game time at Gaborone United following the arrival of Kenyan, Duncan Otieno, and Galaxy are hopeful of convincing him to join.
“We have only released Joseph Pyele, we are looking to add to the squad, a few international players to fill in some positions that have been identified by the coach and we are working on it.
Hopefully by the end of this week we will announce our new signings,” Morake said. While the club is looking to add some players, they
are also battling to keep some of their star players with Rudath Wendell and Marcel Papama topping the list.
The two Namibians have been integral to the developments at the club and it appears some of other top teams locally are looking to prize them away from Jwaneng Galaxy. Both players were not on the matchday squad against Gaborone United and Rudath came on as a substitute against Extension Gunners over the weekend while Papama is yet to be called back into the squad.
“The situation is under control, we are managing it well and everything will be sorted out,” Morake concluded. Galaxy were crowned champions of the league in the 2019/2020 season and went on to make history by reaching the group stages of the CAF Champions League in the 2020/2021 season under the guidance of Ramoreboli.
Although he has previously played down their chances to topple down Gaborone United as league champions, there is a strong belief at the club that the championship is within reach.