Last weekend saw the first half of the round played in the north and from tomorrow, it is the turn of teams in the south to take to the field.
Eight teams will emerge from the two rounds in the north and south to join the 16 Premier League teams and eight First Division sides, completing the composition of the round of 32. Matebele FC have waited 364 days to have their day against VTM FC in the Orange Cup game.
The Eagles were eliminated by their weekend's opponents in last season's Orange FA Cup in the round of 48. The two teams had played to a 1-1 draw during regulation time and Bafana Ba Dijabane won 4-2 in the penalty shootout. VTM were, however, unlucky to be knocked out in the last 32 rounds by Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
Following last season's disappointment, Matebele will be hoping to go an inch higher than their 2022 cup run. The team made a shock appearance in the semi-finals of the cup in 2022 only to lose to eventual winners, Gaborone United. It remains Matebele's highest finish in the competition, and they would be aware that they need to improve against VTM on Saturday afternoon to reach the same height. Elias Chinyemba has had a mixed run on his return to the Matebele head coach role, while Rueben Njavera Chikoti is likely to make his debut with VTM in what is anticipated to be a tight contest.
The SSG Grounds will host a clash between former FA Cup winners, Notwane and Uniao Flamengo Santos on Saturday afternoon. The two teams have more than 15 years without tasting silverware. Toronto are historically the superior of the two with four FA Cup wins compared to a single win by Santos.
The landscape has changed for the sides as they find themselves in undesirable places in the second-tier league this season. A good run in the Orange FA Cup would save the season for the two, and the SSG grounds could witness an entertaining encounter on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Desert Nxau take on Walker United at the Tsabong VDC Grounds on Saturday afternoon while Blue Stars and Taung Young Strikers clash at Kgaphamadi Primary School Grounds. It is an interesting tie at Matsha College Grounds as Magosi FC welcome Mochudi Centre Chiefs. On Sunday afternoon, Pula Roofing FC take on City Polar FC at the Ramodibe Grounds. First Division South leaders, Young Stars visit Sand Diamonds at the Tshane Prisons Grounds. Tlokweng United travel to SSG Grounds where UB Hawks lie in wait. The games kick-off at 4pm.
