Fighters cry foul

According to inside informants from within the Fighters camp, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) competitions’ office declined their request to play the game either at the National Stadium, Lobatse Sports complex or VTM grounds.

“We wrote a letter to BFA requesting them to change the venue because we were the hosts, playing our game at the ground of our opponents was a disadvantage to us.

And I’m saying this because, we ended up using the away dressing rooms yet we were the home team; we were home away from home, but still received an away treatment. We were

told that the game will be televised and Galaxy stadium was the only ground available on Sunday, which was not true,” Fighters official stated.

Fighters coach Nelson Olebile, in his post-match comments, further alleged that there was also an unfair treatment by the sponsor, Orange, when it came to distributing the team merchandise which limited his squad selection.

“We were forced to select only 18 players on match day because we were given only 18 shirts instead of the normal 25 that were given to others. This might be taken lightly but it is unfair, the playing field must be level. There are players who competed in the earlier rounds of the tournament but they were not selected over the weekend, this is very unfair to them. Going forward, these are some of the things that need to improve about this

great competition,” Olebile revealed.

It took a penalty shoot-out to separate the two teams after a goalless draw over 90 minutes.

Galaxy’s 21 year old goalkeeper produced a man of the match performance, saving two penalties as his side emerged 4-2 winners and advanced to the round of last 16 where they will take on First Division current runners –up Black Forest.

Fighters, who are currently a point ahead of BR Highlanders in the league will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run under Olebile after two league matches in charge.

Despite the defeat, Olebile, who reached the Orange FA cup final with Masitaoka last season highlighted that their focus will now turn to the league, adding that the team has performed well and therefore is confident of their chances to survive the chop.