Banana skins await elite teams in FA Cup
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday April 30, 2022 06:00
Last weekend, Premier League teams made their debut in this season's edition and six of the 16 teams slipped out of the competition. The Orange FA Cup enters the round of 16 starting today and more causalities could fall from the elite league. Reigning champions, Gaborone United (GU) are fresh from scoring six goals against second-tier side, Motaung Young Fighters away in Kang last weekend.
The Reds will be worried to let a goal against a rather lightweight opponent in the last 32 rounds. GU are in Francistown this evening to take on yet another second-tier side, Calendar Stars at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Two consecutive long trips might take a toll on the Premier League log leaders and the home side will feel they are better rested of the two. Stars reached the last 16 with a narrow 1-0 win over neighbours, Chadibe FC. Extension Gunners will be in action tomorrow afternoon against BIUST All Stars at the Serowe Sports Complex.
BIUST are the lowest-ranked team in the last 16 as they ply their trade in the third-tier of local football. The team produced a shock win over the past weekend as they beat Red Sparks 3-1 at home to advance to the next round. Gunners will, however, feel they are facing a familiar opponent as the team advanced with a 4-1 win over another third-tier side, Kgabosetso. Nico United and Sua Flamingoes will renew their rivalry at the Sam Sono Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The two teams have had successful spells since their last meeting two years ago. Both sides are enjoying a purple patch and it promises to be a very tricky affair at the Sam Sono Stadium. Still on Saturday afternoon, Police XI will be away to Eleven Angels at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. The Jungles Kings are outright favourites against their First Division opponents. The team tasted an opponent in Angels’ weight in Miscellaneous where they emerged 2-0 victors in Serowe.
Their opponents on the other hand were up against Peace Makers and were made to sweat for a 1-0 win. Township Rollers and Security System tackle each other in what is the match of the weekend.
The two teams are the only Premier League teams to face off in this round. It is a tie that can go either way, but Systems start as underdogs. Following a shock 3-0 win over Notwane, TAFIC are in the south of Dibete once again to take on Matebele FC at the SSG Grounds. On Sunday afternoon, BDF XI visit the giant-killing Holy Ghost at the Holy Ghost Park in Mmopane. Holy Ghost eliminated 2019 champions, Orapa United 2-1. Jwaneng Galaxy is away to Black Forest in Mmankgodi. All the afternoon games will kick off at 3pm while the evening tie will start at 6pm.