Majatlhaga, Magosi headline FA Cup ties
The southern region will tomorrow have its turn to start the new edition of the Orange FA Cup Round of 48. The highlight of the fixtures is the clash between finalists in the last edition, Masitaoka and tomorrow’s hosts, Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
The new edition kicked off last weekend in the northern region. Majatlhaga, as Masitaoka are affectionately known to their fans, will be hoping for a repeat of their successful journey in the last edition where they managed to reach the finals against all odds. On their way to the final, they knocked out favourites at the time, Township Rollers, in the semi-finals before they lost to
Gaborone United (GU) in the final.
It will be interesting to see how Magosi intend to contain
Masitaoka’s front three, which consists of speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Patrick Kaunda and Namibian striker,
Ambrosias Amseb. The
Namibian forward in particular, has been in thrilling form since he joined the club in January, scoring in almost all the matches he played so far.
The team hit a slump early this year, leading to the suspension of head coach, Nelson Olebile.
However, the gaffer has since returned to his seat and the team appears to have regained ground. On paper, Masitaoka are favourites to go through considering that they will not be playing in the dusty grounds, thanks to a decision taken by the hosts early this week.
Chiefs have announced that they decided to host tomorrow’s clash at the National Stadium, particularly for two reasons; increased revenue and health and safety protocols.
“The club needs to maximise all revenue opportunities and this fixture is the greatest this season.
We need to host the game in a venue capable of accommodating as many supporters from both sides as possible,” club chairperson, Edwin Mothulatshipi announced through the club’s Facebook page.
He also said with the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Stadium is suitable to avoid health and safety threats to those attending the match.
Chiefs go into the match as underdogs because of their current status of playing in the lower division.
However, they have experienced players in their fold including midfielder Arnold Mampori who has been playing a key role for the Kgatleng giants this season. He has already played knockout cup competitions at the highest level together with the striker Khumoetsile Kufigwa who will be leading from the front. Another Premier League side, Mogoditshane Fighters will also kick-start their campaign tomorrow against Skoon Boys.
In the northern region, there were no major surprises with another Premier League side, Sua Flamingoes easily securing a place in the next round following a 4-1 win over Santa Green. Nico United also registered a 3-0 victory over Pearisa FC last Sunday.