Hawks’ skipper up for FA Cup best player award
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 14, 2024 13:39
Sepako was instrumental in his side's historic run that went as far as the semi-finals of the tournament. The centre-back led a resilient defence that conceded once from regular play in their cup run. The team only let in a goal from the spot against Police XI in the quarterfinal and another strike by Msendami as they bowed out of the semi-final. As the ‘Students’ became the first side to progress from regional leagues to reach the semi-final of the competition, Sepako helped his side keep three shutouts in the process. Msendami on the other hand proved his quality in the quarterfinals and semi-finals of the competition against Gaborone United and Hawks respectively. The speedy winger scored in the two games to take his cup tally to two goals. Thibedi was the creative spark with two assists as Orapa reached the cup final for a second successive season. He proved to be a thorn in the opposition's defence and played a key role as Orapa eliminated Rollers in the quarterfinals. Galaxy's Goitseone Phoko, Keeagile Kgosipula of Orapa and Hawks' Kabo Ntswaneng will battle it out for the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
The Ostriches' Gofaone Mabaya will need a goal in the final to tie with Okabetse Makgantai of TAFIC and Bakang Makgoloke of Taung Young Strikers who both sit on four strikes in the Golden Boot race. Orapa's duo of Tinashe Balakasi and Eric Ookame, alongside, Msendami have two and would have a chance to increase the tally in the final. Meanwhile, it could be a third-time charm for Orapa United or a first-time luck for Jwaneng Galaxy. Orapa would feel more confident ahead of the Orange FA Cup final against Galaxy to be played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium tomorrow. The Ostriches have made it to the final on two occasions before and won it once in 2019. Galaxy, on the other hand, make their first ever FA Cup final as they eye a league double. In their first ever Orange FA Cup, the Ostriches won 3-0 against Township Rollers with a dominant performance five years ago. In their second attempt, Gaborone United (GU) holders beat Orapa 1-0 in a tight contest.