Jwaneng Galaxy FC coach Morena Ramoreboli says their historic qualification into the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has sent shockwaves across the continent.
The South African-born coach said the club’s recent achievement is a result of hard work and dedication of the players, technical team and management of the reigning Botswana Premier League champions.
Galaxy who shocked Tanzanian giants Simba SC with a massive performance to win 3-1 in Dar es Salaam have been drawn in a tough Group C pool which includes four-time winners Esperance, 2007 champions Etoile du Sahel as well as Algerian powerhouse, CR Belouizdad.
“We are in a very competitive group and for us to be recognised amongst the top teams in the continent we must make sure we go out there and do our best. When you look at African football in general, you look at its history and what Tunisia and Algeria have done, Botswana looks like a small country with less resources compared to them. But without being arrogant, we are going to do our best and for us to be the best we have to compete against the best” said the 41-year-old coach.
With the first match being against Esperance on February 11, Ramoreboli emphasised the importance of doing well in the opening fixture to set the mood for the rest of the group matches.
“If you have played tournaments such as these you understand the importance of doing well in the first match in order to set up the rest of the campaign. We have three chances to do well at home. You can’t allow opponents to do well in both their home and away games. We must do well at home and give ourselves a stronger opportunity to advance further”
Asked on what would constitute a successful Champions League run for him, the coach emphasised the importance of the club getting as much experience as possible and sticking to their game plan.
“Our target is simple, lets go out there and make sure that we qualify for the next phase of the competition. It won’t be easy but we have all the ability and quality. A successful Champions League is when you have played well and competed.”
“For me to have a successful tournament, we have to execute every tactical plan as per our training. If we also find ourselves with two or three players being recognised the tournament then that would also be a form of success” concluded the coach.
Source: CAF