Tight affairs as FA Cup enters last 16
The giants are stamping their authority in this season’s Orange FA Cup as only three teams from the lower division remain in the round of 16. The competition is drawing close to its finale and Mmegi Sport Correspondent previews the weekend’s eight fixtur
Popa will enter the tie with a bit to prove after going down 3-2 to the Warders in a league tie played earlier this month. However, the cup tie is rather a different fixture to Popa’s earlier shocker. Rollers have never failed to go past the last round of 16 in the last three editions of the competition. The Blues are not having the best of seasons and still struggle to secure wins. Their opponents, Prisons XI are a tricky side to play against. Sepheko Motlhagodi’s troops will enjoy the underdog tag and hope to get one over Rollers once again.
When: April 22 (tomorrow)
Where: Royal Aria Stadium
Kick Off: 4pm
Jwaneng Galaxy vs Morupule Wanderers
On paper, it looks like a straightforward win for Galaxy considering their opponents’ league struggles. At home, Galaxy have only lost once this season to FA Cup reigning champions, Gaborone United in a league match. The Galaxy Stars are a well-oiled machine as they are enjoying an almost flawless campaign thus far. With the league championship in sight, Galaxy will be motivated by the prospect of a season’s double. Visiting Wanderers’ coach, Rahman Gumbo will want to save his campaign after joining the team earlier this year but has not enjoyed a good streak of results. With a quarterfinal spot in sight, the experienced gaffer will look to cause an upset in Jwaneng.
When: April 22
Where: Galaxy Stadium
Kick Off: 4pm
Mogoditshane Fighters vs MR Highlanders
The old meets the young as veteran coach Nelson Olebile and youthful prospect, Wame ‘Pepezino’ Mokoka come face-to-face. Highlanders will cross the Dibete cordon fence with some confidence as they meet a team of their match. Highlanders are in the race for promotion in the First Division North League while Fighters is at the bottom of the Premier League log and trying to save their season. Olebile will hope to better his FA Cup record after finishing as runner-up in 2021 while Mokoka is chasing his first silverware.
KABELO BORANABI When:
Where:
Kick Off:
April 22
Otse Stadium 4pm
Extension Gunners vs Orapa United
If there is anything that will lift the mood in Lobatse is Gunners’ progression in the FA Cup competition. Despite their league struggles, Gunners are among the remaining 16 teams. On Saturday they face their biggest test in the competition. The Ostriches are having issues of their own after falling steps back in the league race.
The team will be hoping to salvage the season with the FA Cup final. United were the first team to lift the Orange FA Cup and is eager to get their hands on the roaming trophy once again. Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare on the other hand is looking to score one over his former side.
When: April 22
Where: Lobatse Sports Complex
Kick Off: 4pm
Matebele vs Masitaoka
The two teams have had a fair share of success in the tournament. Masitaoka reached the final of season two edition while their weekend’s opponents, Matebele made it to the semi-finals in season three. It is an intriguing tie for teams that were not marked as favourites as countrymen, Mandla Mpofu and Elias Chinyemba face off.
When: April 22
Where: The Nest Grounds
Kick Off: 4pm
Magosi are a different side at home and not many teams have managed to get a result at the Riverplate Grounds. This weekend, Systems make the trip to Riverplate as they seek FA Cup glory. The Alarm Boys reached the final of the competition last year and will be eager to go a step further and lift the cup. Chiefs, on the other hand, will pin their silverware hopes on the FA Cup, as they look likely to miss out on the league promotional places.
When: April 23
Where: Riverplate Grounds
Kick Off: 4pm
BDF XI vs Notwane
The two teams have not performed to expectations in the last three editions of the cup. It is a rather tricky affair and could ignite tactical changes from both sides. BDF XI, a rather cautious team will be expected to be on the offensive due to their superior stature. Toronto on the other end, could change their approach to a cautious and structured one. It is a daunting task for Notwane as the team will miss a number of key players including, creative midfielder, Sthembile ‘Terry’ Mbuqe.
When: April 23
Where: Otse Stadium
Kick Off: 4pm
Gaborone United vs CRACKit City Polar
The pressure is on the Reds on this one. GU is the most successful team in FA Cup history and has won the last two editions. Moyagoleele will look to return to Africa inter-club competitions and the Orange FA Cup defence is a priority. They face a rather ambitious, City Polar side. The minnows are enjoying eye-raising results in the second-tier league and will be going for GU’s scalp on Sunday.
When: April 23
Where: Lobatse Sports Complex
Kick Off: 4pm