Black Forest in test against Galaxy
The newly promoted Black Forest open their 2016/17 beMOBILE premiership debut as visitors against a more fancied Jwaneng Galaxy.
As a recently promoted outfit, Forest have a huge task on their backs as most of the more established, more experienced and well-resourced teams will be aiming to run through them and gain maximum points. Galaxy will go on a full scale attack in the search for maximum points against the rookies. Galaxy, who are mentored by coach Mike Sithole, have assembled a strong squad that includes the likes of Sekhana ‘Nandos’ Koko and sensational striker Thabang Sesinyi.
However, the Chairperson of rookie outfit Stan Kekobilwe does not share such sentiments. In an interview Kekobilwe said his team is ready to take on emerging powerhouses like Galaxy FC on their first match this Saturday. Kekobilwe said they have long begun preparing to contest as a new team in the Botswana Premier League (BPL) family. According to Kekobilwe his team means business and intends to build a rigid home in the Premier league and avoid relegation at all costs.
“This will be our first time participating in the league, however I believe we are in it to stay, if we can manage to compete in the first round, nothing will stop us to race for the top eight also,” said a confident Kekobilwe. He explained that they are not at all threatened by the stiff battle ahead of them, adding that they are fully aware of what to expect and will pull together all necessary measures to survive.
According to him, Black Forest faced off with Galaxy FC before in the lower First Division and they have always managed to contain the Jwaneng outfit. “I cannot recall the last time we suffered a great humiliation from Galaxy, we mostly draw and we intend to keep it that way.” He said in their latest pre-season friendly game in Jwaneng they suffered a 3-1 loss to Galaxy.
However, that was a learning curve and hopefully they will come out more strongly against their opponents this time around. Forest have recently reinforced their squad with players such as Itumeleng Selapa who initially played for Notwane Football Club and Leonard Chikowa from Zimbabwe. According to Kekobilwe the duo will hopefully make an impact considering their vast elite league experience.
On the other hand, Galaxy FC Chairman Njabulo Gilika said they are ready for the weekend fixture and intend to win. He said Black Forest cannot be defined as a small team but the fact that they are battling for the 2016/2017 BPL championship means they should not be underestimated. Gilika also added that Black Forest are an ambitious and consistent team that has challenged and chased for a spot in the elite league for only three seasons and finally came through.
However he noted that that they will not loosen the belts because their aim is to win all their games. “Come this weekend we will not want to disappoint, we have our objectives to meet and I believe they have theirs too,” he said.