ORANGE FA CUP HEATS UP
This will be the second FA Cup meeting between the two sides in two seasons. United defeated the Alarm Boys 2-1 in the 2021/22 final to add to their league trophy for an impressive double for the season.
In the league this season, GU thrashed their weekend opponents 3-0 in the first round, and the two played to a 2-all draw in the return fixture. On paper, GU are the hot favourites. Fresh from announcing a new P1.5 million sponsorship deal, The Reds would be buzzing, and hoping to put their league struggle behind.
After leading the log for the better part of the first round, GU are now third, nine points adrift of log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy, who also have a game in hand. The Old Naledi outfit are also behind cross-town rivals, Township Rollers, with seven points between them after 21 games.
For a team expected to compete for league honours every season, it must have been a bitter pill to swallow for the club’s spokesperson, Herbert Letsebe, to admit that the championship might be beyond their reach.
“This is a vital game for us; and we can’t afford to lose it. Our sole focus is now the Orange FA Cup because we admit that it is going to be very difficult to win the league from our current position,” admitted Letsebe.
The Money Machine’s public relations officer also stated that they have dedicated most of their resources to the Orange FA Cup preparations in order to field the finest team possible.
“We have taken almost all our resources and shifted them into preparing for the FA Cup games. Our aim is to compete in Africa, and we believe the FA Cup gives us a realistic chance to play in the CAF Con
federations Cup,” he said.
Letsebe said competing in Africa offers players an opportunity to test themselves against the best in the continent, and also comes with other benefits.
United will welcome back Mothusi Cooper and Thatayaone Kgamanyane from suspension.
Systems are, however, no pushovers, and are capable of springing a surprise just like they did in 2022 by reaching the finals against all odds.
Lying fifth in the league ahead of seasoned campaigners like Orapa United, BDF XI and Police XI is testament to their capabilities and ambition as a club. Will Moyagoleele find the right combination to disarm the alarm, or will the Alarm Boys turn up in time to arrest the situation?
Kick-off is 1530hrs.