The stakes are high with Rollers eyeing revenge against the home side after being dumped out by the same opponent in last season's edition. Last year, Popa suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Ostriches in the last eight stage with goals coming from Eric Ookame and Koketso Majafi’s penalty. Adding more fuel to the fire in the palatable encounter, Popa recently fell short against the Ostriches in a 2-0 defeat, making the encounter a perfect opportunity to turn the tables. Whilst the Ostriches have been battling with inconsistencies this season, sitting at position eight after 21 games, their ability to rise to the occasion cannot be underestimated. The Ostriches boast an ace up their sleeve in coach Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote who re-joined the mining side in the middle of the season from Rollers. Teenage is not a stranger to lifting the FA Cup as he did so with Orapa in 2019, defeating Rollers 3-0. Now back at Orapa, he would be hoping to relive the moment and lift the cup again with the Orapa side.
In contrast, since reaching the final in 2019, things have gone south for the popular Gaborone-based side. The record Premier League champions are yet to lift the coveted FA Cup title and have not emulated their 2019 run, which remains their best run in the competition. The fixture presents an opportunity for the Gaborone giants to break their Orange FA Cup jinx, as their chase for the cup has remained elusive in the past seasons. With their attacking power renewed in Letlhogonolo Fothoane and the return of Mogakolodi Ngele from injury, the encounter presents a chance for Popa to end their cup drought. In other encounters, Francistown side TAFIC, off a great run in the FNB Premiership, take on relegation threatened Uniao Flamingo Santos at the Gabane United ground on Saturday. Other fixtures on Saturday will see Notwane take on Morupule Wanderers at SSG grounds, Police XI face Sua Flamingoes at the Otse Police College whilst Gaborone United will look to return to winning ways as they tackle Holy Ghost at the Gaborone United Stadium.
On Sunday, defending champions Jwaneng Galaxy travel to Selebi-Phikwe to take on Nico United. Galaxy will be led by interim coach, Seemo Mpatane, following the departure of Dutchman, Pieter De Jongh. The Sunday fixtures have Taung Young Strikers against Prisons XI, Tshikinyega Tigers are home to VTM at Tshikinyega Primary School. Security Systems play BDF XI at the Royal Aria Stadium to round up the weekend's action. All fixtures kick-off at 4pm.
