Orange Botswana and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) first agreed to terms on the FA Cup contract in 2019 as part of a three-year deal. The sponsorship was renewed in 2022 for a further three years and it is set to conclude in the 2024–2025 football season.
Speaking at the launch of the sixth edition of the Orange FA Cup held on Wednesday in Gaborone, Maïga said it is within the telecommunications' hope that the competition will continue beyond 2025. She said in the last five editions, the Orange FA Cup has consistently showcased its transformative power as it has, year in and year out, helped identify and elevate grassroots talent across the country. Maïga highlighted that the Orange FA Cup is the only competition availed for teams in the regional leagues to top tier league and that a lot of raw talents have since found their place in the top tier.
"The Orange FA Cup is unique in its ability to bring football to every corner of Botswana. Matches will be hosted in towns, villages and remote communities, ensuring that the energy and passion of football are felt across the nation," said Maïga. She added that the expansion of the sixth edition of the Orange FA Cup reflects Orange Botswana's commitment to taking Botswana football to greater heights whilst ensuring that every community, player, and fan experience the unparalleled wonders of this unique football competition.
For his part, BFA's president, Tariq Babitseng, said the Orange FA Cup embodies a shared commitment between BFA and Orange Botswana to uplift communities, nurture talent and unite the nation. He said the tournament further reflects the core values of Orange Botswana and the leadership vision outlined by the current BFA leadership.
"Empowerment and opportunity for all like Orange Botswana, which is committed to fostering inclusivity, the FA Cup reaches every corner of the nation ensuring no community or player is left behind," said Babitseng.
The first-round draw dished some enticing ties as, for the third time, Tlokweng United has been pitted against Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the South Block round of games. Gumare Young Stars will look to emulate City Kings to go beyond the quarterfinals as their cross-town rivals. The South Block games will be played on the first weekend of February, whilst the North Block is to kick off a week later.
Full Orange FA Cup First Round Draw
South Block Boikago FC vs Blue Stars FC Pula Roofing vs Notwane Sand Diamonds vs Jwaneng Young Stars Prisons XI vs Tsetseng FC Tlokweng United vs Mochudi Centre Chiefs Taung Young Strikers vs UB Hawks Majweng FC vs City Polar Flamengo Santos vs King Rodgers FC
North Block Sankoyo Bush Bucks vs Calendar Stars MR Highlanders vs Gumare Young Stars Chadibe FC vs Miscellaneous FC FC Palapye vs Mbalakalungu FC Motlakase Power Dynamos vs Tonota FC Santa Green vs Mmadinare Giant Aces Kazungula Young Fighters vs Real Brothers
