Young Strikers wary of heavy legs
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday May 9, 2025 11:14
They take on VTM FC in a quarterfinal tie at the Tlokweng VDC Grounds on Saturday afternoon. Young Strikers carry the hopes of the minnows, as they remain the only team in the last eight from the lower league. Plying their trade in the First Division South League, the team is eyeing a place in the annals of history as it seeks progress to the semi finals for the first time in their history. Young Strikers' head coach, Thaloba Nthaga expressed concern over heavy legs due to a busy schedule. On Saturday, the team will play their third game in a space of 10 days. 'The Lion of Judah' had a top of the table clash against Magosi FC the previous weekend before a 2-0 loss to Police XI on Wednesday whilst a fortnight ago they did battle Orapa United before the weekend's tie against VTM FC. Nthaga said the team would only have a two-day period to prepare for Saturday's must-win tie.
'The guys are tired, you play Orapa, you play Magosi, you play Police, and now I have to play another Premier League team. Look, I have a very small squad and we will try to see how best we can help recover for the weekend's game. We had to prepare for this game (against Police XI) and we have not done any preparations as far as the FA Cup is concerned. Our job is to make sure that the team is ready to compete over the weekend. So let us see what we can do in the next two days,' Nthaga said. It has been an impressive but untidy run by the team in this year's edition of the FA Cup. Young Strikers have failed to win in open play in the first two games of the competition. The team played to 0-0 draw against UB Hawks in the last 48 round before claiming a 4-1 penalty shootout win. In the last 32, Young Strikers eliminated Prisons XI with a 5-4 penalty shootout win. The teams had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The team pulled a shocker over three-time finalists Orapa United with a 1-0 win at home. The team returns to the Tlokweng VDC Grounds looking for another surprise win over another Premier League campaigner. VTM on the other end has done business against lower division teams and would be happy to welcome an opponent of Young Strikers' calibre. The team beat Tshikinyega Tigers 1-0 in the last 32 round before a 5-4 penalty shootout against Sand Diamonds in the round of 16 after the two had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Jwaneng Galaxy face a stern test to their title defence against Sua Flamingoes. Both sides head into the clash on the back of strong league form—Galaxy still in the hunt for a domestic double, whilst Flamingoes chase their first-ever major title. The two teams face off at the Galaxy Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Security Systems and Holy Ghost clash at the Royal Aria Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Sunday afternoon sees a mouth-watering clash between Kgatleng giants, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Matebele FC at the Royal Aria Stadium. All the games will kick off at 3pm, except the Systems-Holy Ghost tie that is scheduled for a 6pm start.