Reds or Systems?
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 17, 2022 13:48
The two will meet at the National Stadium at 4pm in what promises to be an exciting tie. The defending champions, GU have a record seven FA Cup titles while Systems are making their maiden final appearance and will be looking to strike their first-time luck. Systems’ coach Kaelo ‘Wire’ Kaelo, a club legend at GU, has structured a rather stubborn side.
He will be looking to get one over a club that made him a household name in local football. Systems are not blessed with an abundance of talent in their ranks but as a unit, they look very threatening, something that has been key in their run to the final. Left-back, Benson Mangolo’s availability is in doubt as he is subject to a late fitness test.
Unlike their opponents, GU has one of the best squads in local football and individual brilliance would be key tomorrow afternoon. They enter the tie as the team expected to win and will surely be in attacking mode from the first minute. The team has scored 15 goals in the competition and is a real threat to the opposition’s defence. The team will miss the tournament’s joint top goal scorer Kekaetswe Moloi due to suspension after the striker received a red card in the semi-finals. For the second consecutive Orange FA Cup, it is a local coaches' contest as Kaelo faces off with GU's Innocent Morapedi.
Players to watch
Thato Ogopotse (Security Systems) He has been the shield in front of the defence throughout the cup run. His greatest threat has been whenever he gets in opposition final third. Ogopotse is the tournament’s joint top goal scorer with five goals in just four games. The hard-tackling midfielder has been the engine of his side’s progress to their maiden FA Cup final. He is good in the air, reads the game very well, makes timely challenges.
Mpho Kgaswane (Gaborone United) He got into rhythm late in the season and his introduction from the bench in the semi-final saw the Reds taking control of the tie against Matebele. Kgaswane has been more of a provider than a goal scorer in the cup run as he has only two goals so far. Deadly in a dead ball situations, the left-footed player packs some power in his shot. He has an eye for a pass and with his slick moves, on his day he is a threat to any defence.
Road to Final
Security Systems Last 32: 2-0 Mochudi Centre Chiefs Last 16: 2-1 Township Rollers Quarterfinal: 2-1 Extension Gunners Semi-final: 2-1 BDF XI Summary: Systems in their run to the final has faced three Premier League rivals, as Chiefs have been their only lower-division opponents. The team managed to keep a clean sheet on one occasion. The Alarm Boys have scored eight goals in three games and conceded three. The team had to come from behind to win once on the road to the final when they had to overturn a deficit against BDF XI in the semi-final. Otherwise in the other three games, they scored first.
Gaborone United Last 32: 6-1 Motaung Young Fighters Last 16: 5-0 Calendar Stars Quarterfinal: 2-1 Police XI Semi-final: 2-1 Matebele FC (in extra time) Summary: The Reds have been the highest-scoring team in the competition with 15 goals in just four games. The team has an average of more than three goals in every game. GU have faced three lower division teams and Police XI have been the elite league opponent they have faced. Like Systems, GU managed just one clean sheet in the run to the final and will have heavier legs after being taken to extra time by Matebele in the semi-final.
FA Cup wins Systems: Nil GU: Seven times (most successful team in the competition)
Orange FA Cup awards nominees
Player of the tournament Benson Mangolo (Security Systems) Thato Ogopotse (Security Systems) Thato Kebue (Gaborone United) Prize money: P40,000
Goalkeeper of the tournament Neo Kenalemang (Matebele FC) Ookeditse Semelamela (Gaborone United) Mwampule Masule (Security Systems) Prize money: P25,000
Coach of the tournament Kaelo Kaelo (Security Systems) Innocent Morapedi (Gaborone United) Letang Kgengwenyane (BDF XI) Prize money: P10,000
Top goalscorer Prize money: P25,000
Referee of the tournament Prize money: P10,000
Assistant referee of the tournament Prize money: P10,000
What you need to know Ticket prices: P30 (Grand Stand), P20 (North, South, and East stands) Venue capacity: 22,500 Projected weather conditions: Maximum of 23º Celsius and minimum of three degrees Celsius. Ten percent chance of rain. Humidity is at 50% and wind would blow at 11km/h. Security: 30 police officers and 75 security guards Entertainment: Charma Girl and FME DJs Gate Open: At noon (12pm) Kick-off: 4pm