Foursome FA Cup battle ensues
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday May 17, 2019 11:32
It is the event that played a key role as the powerhouses were sorting themselves out, albeit with blood and gore, for world supremacy.
This Saturday, May 18, four teams will battle it out in Orange FA Cup semifinals in a quest for national supremacy at the National Stadium, albeit at a smaller scale than the World War II scenario.
In an earlier kick off, Police XI will take on Orapa United before Township Rollers lock horns with BDF XI.
The Jungle Kings are vying for a cup final spot against the Ostriches at 4pm. Mike Sithole’s boys will look to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in 36 years. Police XI have been impressive in the run up to the semifinals after scoring 10 goals while conceding just two.
Along the way, the Cops knocked fellow Premier League sides, Miscellaneous and Sharps Shooting Stars before a hard fought 5-4 win over Jwaneng Fighters in the quarterfinals.
The deadly partnership of veteran strikers, Kekaetswe ‘Mara’ Moloi and Bonolo Fraizer has been the difference this season, as the pair has contributed 27 goals.
Police XI however, face a free scoring United team who are reaching the FA Cup semifinal for the first time in the club’s history.
The Ostriches have found the back of the net 16 times while conceding just once, making it an average of 5.3 goals per game.
But their journey has been a rather smooth one as they faced minnows, Peace Makers and Sand Diamonds before they eliminated Security Systems in the quarterfinals.
Skipper, Omaatla Kebatho is expected to be instrumental on the afternoon following his fine form that has seen him tuck in six goals in the tournament. This will be teams’ first ever meeting in a cup competition.
The Ostriches will be without speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye who is out due to an illness.
In an 8pm kick off, six time champions, Rollers will meet BDF XI. Despite their stature, Rollers have not lived up to expectations following marginal wins over third tier side, Kazungula Fighters and Extension Gunners.
The Blues have found the back of the net just five times in three games, but are yet to concede as they remain the only side to keep a clean sheet thus far.
Popa boast a free scoring front line that has Joel Mogorosi and Tumisang Orebonye but will miss inspirational captain, Maano Ditshupo who will sit out the tie due to suspension.
On the opposite dug-out, BDF XI have not been shy in front of goal with 10 goals, while they have also kept it tight at the back as they just let in two goals. Under the tutelage of Nelson Setshwane, the army side has proved to be a team that can cause an upset on any day after knocking out Jwaneng Galaxy.
Youngster, Phenyo Serameng will lead the team in the absence of key midfielder, Keeagile Kobe who is serving suspension.