Five editions of the Orange FA Cup have been played so far and Phoko is the most successful player in the history of the competition. Galaxy won the final 2-1 on Saturday against Orapa United. Phoko was also crowned the goalkeeper of the tournament on Saturday. In addition, Phoko pocketed P20 000 for winning the goalkeeper of the tournament. He previously won the award when he was at Gaborone United (GU). All the previous FA cups that the player won were at GU. “Before the final I had a conversation with my mom. I told her that I am exhausted because it has been a demanding season, but she encouraged me to keep on going. Her words were heartwarming, and they kept me going today. I dedicate this accomplishment to her. My family has been very supportive to me,” Phoko said after the match.
The Zebras goalkeeper partly attributed his success to his teammates, the technical staff, and supporters at Galaxy. “I have had my ups and downs but the coaching staff, the supporters and the players have also kept me going. Personally, I have set the bar that if get into a final, I must win it. To win the goalkeeper of the tournament award as well as winning the FA Cup for the fourth time is fascinating and motivates me to continue working hard. But winning the FA Cup with Galaxy for the first time makes it more special,” he said. Phoko, who is in his peak also discussed the prospects of playing abroad. Over the last few years, he has been heavily linked with a move to several clubs in South African Premier Soccer League but nothing concrete has ever materialised so far. “My focus is on giving my best on the pitch every day and improving my game. It is not up to me to decide if I should go and play abroad or not. My football destiny will be decided by God,” Phoko said.
Meanwhile, Galaxy’s Daniel Msendami who has been heavily linked with elite clubs in DRC, Tanzania and South Africa was crowned player of the tournament and pocketed P50, 000 for his efforts. Morena Ramoreboli was named coach of the tournament, an award that is accompanied by prize money amounting to P20 000. TAFIC’s Onkabetse Makgantai and Bakang Makgoloke of Taung Young Strikers were crowned top goal scorers for the tournament after netting four goals each. The award carries a P30, 000 prize money.
