A final of contrasts
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 13, 2025 13:55
Despite their contrasting fortunes, the two teams are chasing the same goal of saving their season by lifting the Orange FA Cup. Systems have been condemned to the second tier league and are looking to go down at least with a trophy. At the top end, Galaxy let the league championship slip at the last hour and a barren season would not be accepted at the mining town of Jwaneng. It is an interesting contest as both sides chase records. Systems could become the first team to play in the continental competition whilst campaigning in the second tier league. They have proven they are not a walkover with their FA Cup title chase. Systems have their worst league run, which culminated in relegation, but find themselves chasing their first-ever FA Cup glory.
The team came closest to lifting the cup in 2022 but lost 2-1 to Gaborone United in the final played at the National Stadium. Ahead of the evening's clash, Systems will need to dig deep to end their poor-scoring run against one of the best defences in the competition this year. The team has just scored four goals in their run to the final. It could be a worry for the technical side with the team failing to keep a clean sheet on two occasions. However, they have become a team that likes to finish its business in regulation of time with just a single game going to a penalty shootout. Systems need to break Galaxy's 100% win record in cup finals to claim their first. Galaxy have played in three finals since their establishment in 2015 and won all of them. The team has two Top 8 titles to their name and a single FA Cup title. The reigning champions are aware nothing less than a win this evening would be accepted by the top brass. Like their opponents, Galaxy swiftly sailed in to the final of the competition with some ease, as they needed the lottery of the shootout just once.
The team failed to find the back of the net just once and it was in the round of 32 tie. Since then they have scored at least twice until the final, showing some goal-scoring prowess. Galaxy's title defence and unbeaten record in the finals is at stake and Galaxy Stars will look to return to continental competitions via the CAF Confederations Cup. A new coach will lift the cup, as David Bothasitse is on the brink of his first-ever silverware after serving as assistant when Systems finished second in 2022. On the other hand, Seemo '16' Mpatane is likely to remain in charge with new head coach, Sean Connor waiting for his work permit. Mpatane led his former side, Eleven Angels to a surprising round of 16 reach whilst in their first season in the second tier league.
Systems' Orange FA Cup run
Round of 32: Flamengo Santos 0-1 Systems Round of 16: Systems 1-1 (4-3 penalty win) Holy Ghost Quarterfinals: Systems 2-1 BDF XI Semifinals: VTM 0-1 Systems
Galaxy's Orange FA Cup
Round of 32: Nico United 0-0 (5-6 penalty win) Galaxy Round of 16: Blue Stars 0-2 Galaxy Quarterfinals: Galaxy 2-1 Sua Flamingoes Semifinal: Matebele FC 1-2 Galaxy
Systems in cup finals
Orange FA Cup 2022 Score line: Gaborone United 2-1 Systems Finish: Runners-up
Galaxy in cup finals
Top 8 2017 Score line: Galaxy 4-3 (after extra time) Orapa United Finish: Champions
Top 8 2019 Score line: Galaxy 2-0 Gaborone United Finish: Champions
Orange FA Cup 2024 Score line: Galaxy 2-1 Orapa United
What You Need To Know Venue: National Stadium with 22,000 capacity Kickoff time: 7:30pm Weather conditions: Mostly cloudy with temperatures as low as 19º Celsius. 10% chance of rain. 74% humid with wind blowing at 13km/h. Tickets selling at: P50 for Grand Stand. P30 for Panda Stand. P20 for North and South Stands. Performances from: Han-C, Lioness Ratang, Chokoma, and DJ Lefatshe