Former PSL Coach Takes Over The Reins At Botswana Giants

Former Cape Town Spurs interim coach Sean Connor has been appointed as the new head coach of Botswana Premier League giants Jwaneng Galaxy, after the club endured a below-par 2024/25 campaign.

The Irishman penned a two-year deal with Galaxy, succeeding Dutch trainer Pieter De Jongh, who was appointed in January following the departure of Morena Ramoreboli to coach the Botswana national team permanently.

De Jongh guided the team to a fourth-place finish in the Botswana topflight, a standing the mining outfit is not familiar with, as it enjoyed back-to-back league title wins, including an Orange FA Cup triumph under the South African mentor’s tutelage.

Now, the club is set to usher into a new era with Connor, who previously assumed responsibility as a Technical Director at the Urban Warriors in the 2023/24 season, before his brief stint in the hot seat, where he was ultimately replaced by veteran coach Ernst Middendorp.

“With a wealth of experience coaching across the African continent, including roles as technical director of Cape Town Spurs and head coach of Matebele FC, Mr Connor brings a football philosophy that perfectly aligns with our club’s vision for growth and excellence,” read the club statement.

“He will be supported by Mr Seemo Mpatane as assistant coach, as together, they lead the charge to elevate Galaxy both domestically and on the international stage.” 

Connor moved to Botswana at the beginning of the just-ended campaign after he was appointed as Matebele FC coach. The ex-Black Leopards mentor guided the Botswana outfit to a 12th-place finish in the league and an Orange FA Cup semi-final.

Interestingly, Matebele fell short to his new employers in the semi-final, losing 2-1 to Galaxy. The 57-year-old mentor will be tasked with guiding the team in the FA Cup final against relegated Security Systems at the National Stadium on 13 June.