GU, Gunners headline FA Cup action
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday March 29, 2019 13:05
Interestingly, GU had dethroned Gunners when they won the 2012 title, after the Lobatse side had triumphed a year earlier. Phillimon Makwengwe led GU in his first of the two stints at the club; in the 2012 final played at the Lobatse Sports Complex.
Moyagoleele beat Mochudi Centre Chiefs 4-2 on penalties after the teams were deadlocked at 0-0 in regulation time. Pontsho Moloi who will this evening face Makwengwe on the opposite technical bench, captained Magosi in the final defeat.
This evening the two coaches will once again face off. ‘Da Phil’ is seen as a saviour to the Reds faithful after he quenched a three-year title thirst at GU when he won the Coca Cola Cup. Before then the Reds had last won a cup in 2009, which was the league title.
He was handed a chance to cement his place in the heats of the GU loyalists but went down 2-0 to Jwaneng Galaxy in the Top 8 final a fortnight ago.
The Mahalapye-born tactician will go into this evening’s clash looking to prove a point while trying to put the Top 8 final disappointment behind him. The Reds have been in fine form this year, losing just three of the last 10 games played in all competitions.
Makwengwe will rely on attacker, Thatayaone Kgamanyane who has banged in three goals since his return from Chippa United in January. The 23-year-old can play either of the flanks or just behind the main striker. He possesses great vision, awareness and has a very sharp eye for goal. Makwengwe’s side will, however, be tested by Gunners’ side that is led by the youthful, Moloi. The 37-year-old tactician is in his first head coach role with Gunners, but leads a squad that has the mixture of experience and youth.
‘Piro’ is a born winner with six titles to his name, winning the FA Cup twice as player and eyes his first silverware as a coach, the journey that starts with knocking out GU in the round of 32.
He will be hoping to lead Gunners to past this round after a lengthy period of cup drought. Gunners have been inconstant this year, winning just three times, losing four and playing to draws four times.
In the process Mapantsola have scored 12 goals while conceding 12 times. The Peleng Boys will be led by industrious midfielder, Mmoloki Kebalepile who can be deployed both in the central midfield role, an anchor or a deep lying player maker. He is a good ball player, has great speed and has a powerful shot.
Moyagoleele has won the cup a record of sixth times, together with their cross-town rivals, Township Rollers while Gunners is the joint third successful team with three triumphs.