The Reds are the competition’s most successful club and have bagged the last three editions, solidifying their status as kings of the FA Cup.
Head coach, Pontsho Moloi, has been consistent in saying he still feels there is a chance for a double this season.
However, with Galaxy sitting comfortably at the summit of the league table, The Reds are fully aware that there is no better chance for silverware than winning the FA Cup. In current form, Galaxy remain the toughest opponent GU can get in this competition but the Reds’ healthy obsession with this competition makes them a team to watch this season. Last week, the club announced the return of goal poacher, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, to full training after being on the sidelines with an injury.
The left-footed attacker has won the FA Cup with GU in the last three editions and knows what is at stake. Both sides have capable players in attack as well as defence and the match will most likely be decided by individual brilliance. Although Moloi is still a student of the game as far as coaching is concerned, he has proven many times that he can match seasoned coaches tactically.
The influence of Morena Ramoreboli in turning Galaxy into a formidable side cannot be underestimated. He has received rave reviews from fellow coaches, football commentators as well as his players. With the league title in their hands to win or lose, the FA Cup has been elusive for the Jwaneng-based side and the first real hurdle is this Sunday at the Dinaledi Football Academy Stadium against the defending champions.
Ramoreboli has enough arsenal to handle any side in the league and will once again rely on Thabang Sesinyi’s eye for goals. On Saturday, the National Stadium will host one of a potentially exciting encounter as Township Rollers and Orapa United meet for the second time in just eight days. Their recent league meeting ended in a draw.
The last time Rollers won the competition was in 2010 while it was still under the sponsorship of Coca-Cola. The closest they have progressed since then was in 2019 when they lost 3-0 in the final against the Ostriches. Rollers coach, Innocent Morapedi, is already a man feeling he does not have the best at his disposal. Morapedi recently expressed his concern over the number of injuries his side has suffered the entire season. His proven goal scorers, Mogakolodi Ngele, Mbatshi Elias, and Segolame Boy have been in and out of the team because of injuries.
Elias recently returned and scored against his former side, Orapa United last weekend. He is most likely to lead the attack on Saturday. His battle against his former captain, Thabang Mosige, will be the one to watch. Mosige, despite being linked with a move away from the club earlier this season, has been consistent recently and looks to be back to his best after suffering injuries. The Ostriches have done particularly well in the competition and have reached the final two times in four years, with the last one being a 1-0 loss to GU last season.
The match will kick off just after the UB Hawks and Police XI encounter. Hawks remain the only lower division side left in the competition and have already outdone themselves considering that they only started playing in the First Division this season. Against Police XI, they face an unpredictable side. At Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium, TAFIC, will take on Sua Flamingoes.
