The anticipation is reaching fever pitch in Botswana’s football community as the Orange FA Cup final between Gaborone United and Orapa United draws near on Saturday at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
With the prize of a staggering P800,000 at stake for the winners, both teams will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory and glory.
As one of Botswanaโs powerhouses of football, GU will be aiming to add another chapter to their illustrious cup history and breaming with confidence, having lifted the coveted trophy twice before. Under the astute guidance of their esteemed coach, Pontsho Moloi, Gaborone United have enjoyed a successful season, and the players are eager to etch their names in the annals of Botswana football history once again.
Leading Gaborone United’s formidable attack will be the prolific attacker, Thero Setsile. Known for his speed, agility and clinical finishing, Setsile has been a consistent source of goals for his team. He finished the league season as the teamโs top goal scorer. With unwavering determination to excel on the grandest stage, he will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Orapa United’s defensive line. The entire GU squad will rally around Setsile, among them the likes Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Mpho Kgaswane, as they seek to dismantle their opponents and secure another memorable cup triumph.
At the Orange FA Cup press conference on Wednesday this week, the Marketing and Communications representative of GU, Herbert Letsebe, spoke with confidence about their readiness for the final. “The boys are ready. The training is going well. All players are available. It will be up to the coach to decide who starts. โThis is our third consecutive FA Cup final, having won the past two. Our intention is to retain it. We respect our opponents, Orapa United. But they should know that we will give our all to win this again. We are confident that we will lift this trophy once more.”
Orapa United is indeed not to be underestimated. The team has won the FA Cup at least once and has grown into a formidable force in recent years. Drawing upon their collective strength and unwavering spirit, they have battled their way to the final, believing firmly that they have what it takes to lift the prestigious trophy once again. The players are well aware of the task ahead and are prepared to leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory. One of Orapa United’s star performers, Omaatla Kebatho, will be the linchpin of their attacking strategy. With his impeccable technique and vision, Kebatho has been instrumental in orchestrating his team’s offensive manoeuvres throughout the season and finished the league as a top joint goal scorer (for the league) with 24 goals.
His ability to unlock stubborn defences and provide crucial assists has been a source of inspiration for his teammates. Orapa United will undoubtedly rely on Kebatho’s creativity and guile to breach Gaborone United’s resolute defence and secure victory. At the press conference this week, Orapa United spokesman Emelton Gadifele spoke of their meticulous preparations for the final. “We are preparing very well,โ he said. โThe technical team has left no stone unturned, hence we have full confidence in our preparations. Debswana has generously provided us with two buses to transport our supporters to Gaborone and two other sponsors have made two minibuses available.”
Meanwhile, this clash of titans promises to be an enthralling spectacle filled with heart-stopping moments, sublime skills, and strong passion. Fans from across Botswana will converge on the National Stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere to add to the intensity of the occasion. The Orange FA Cup final has always been a celebration of the beautiful game, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be no different. Speaking at the press conference, Orange Botswana’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ratang Motladiile, assured everyone that they are working diligently to ensure an unforgettable event on 24 June. He pointed to the increased prize money of P800,000 and highlighted the entertainment by La Timmy and Han C.
The awards ceremony, which includes P50,000 for Player of the Tournament and P30,000 for Top Goal Scorer, will put a seal of conclusion on the heart throbbing football extravaganza. As the clock ticks closer to kickoff, the question on everyone’s lips remains: Who will emerge triumphant and lift the cup? Will GU add another chapter to their cup success or Orapa United will etch their name on the trophy once again? Only the last whistle will tell. Saturday’s final promises to be an epic battle; one that will be etched in the memories of players and fans alike, regardless of the all-important outcome.
