And they were down to eight
The ‘Diamond Derby’ will take centre stage in the Orange FA Cup quarterfinal round of matches. Mmegi Sport Correspondent, KABELO BORANABI previews the weekend games as eight teams battle it out for the semi-final spaces
Jwaneng Galaxy vs Orapa United This is the game of the weekend in the Orange FA Cup quarterfinals. The two teams start on more or less equal footing at the Galaxy Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A much-deserving break from the exciting league championship battle for both sides. It has always been a tightly contested tie between the two mining teams and a thriller is once again expected in Jwaneng over the weekend.
When: May 6
Where: Galaxy Stadium Kick Off: 3pm
Security Systems vs Township Rollers
Popa will enter the tie with clenched fists as they seek revenge over the Alarm Boys. Systems dumped Rollers in the last 16 round of the tournament in the previous edition. Systems went all the way to the final since the morale-boosting win over Rollers. The team’s coach, Kaelo Kaelo will look to get one step further this season and land the club its first silverware in the top flight. Once again, Kaelo will know the wonders eliminating Rollers can do to his team’s morale. In the opposite camp, pressure is mounting on the technical bench as the Orange FA Cup remains the only trophy missing from the Popa cabinet. Sergio Tranquil has not totally won the hearts of Rollers’ multitudes and the Orange FA Cup triumph will ease the pressure on him and the technical team.
The Samba Boys and the Reds go into the tie on the back of contrasting frustrating fortunes in the league. Moyagoleele have seemingly lost the league title to Galaxy while Fighters look very much destined for the drop. Both sides will be looking at the Orange FA Cup to save their season. It appears to be a GU win on paper but ‘Goliath’ has often been felled by the stone. Fighters will gain confidence from Matebele and Masitaoka, the minnows who reached the semi-finals against all odds. The Reds will be without head coach, Pontsho Moloi who is serving a suspension.
When: May 6 Where: VTM Arena Kick Off: 3pm
Masitaoka vs BDF XI
Sunday will host a tricky affair between Masitaoka and BDF XI. Both sides were not early favourites but find themselves in the last eight. This is something that would do wonders for their confidence as the belief starts to kick in. The envy and young skilful talents of Majatlhaga will test the very disciplined approach of the Army Boys.
When: May 7
Where: Molepolole Sports Complex Kick Off: 3pm