Both Extension Gunners and Motlakase have promised football lovers an entertaining spectacle when they meet in the much-awaited Coca-Cola Cup final at the Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.
Kick off time is 3.30pm.
When the cup tournament kicked off, few could have predicted that these sides would be in the final but they have shocked their opponents and forced their way into in the final.
It was Gunners’ performance in their semi-final win over Mochudi Centre Chiefs that has surely won them the respect of many football lovers.
On the other hand, Motlakase, who are struggling in the league, have displayed entertaining football in this cup and saw off stubborn Uniao Flamengo Santos in the semis.
It will be Motlakase’s first-ever cup final while Gunners are making their third appearance in the final in the 20 years of existence of the Coke Cup. This week, both sides promised to dish out a final which will be remembered in many years. Though some people have labeled the final as ‘boring’, both sets of supporters are not worried and are expected to go out to cheer their heroes in action.
Motlakase spokesman, Monty Gagomokgwa, has warned Gunners to underestimate his side at their own peril. He pointed out that they might be struggling in the league but that does not mean they are not hungry. Gagomokgwa said that when they lost 2-0 to BMC in the league on Good Friday, his players were not committed and could tell that their minds are on the final.
“We have a score to settle against Gunners because since we got promoted to the elite league (two seasons ago), we’ve never beaten them. This season when they beat us, we were going through a rough patch but I can tell you that we’re more than ready for them,” said Gagomokgwa.
Gunners have beaten Motlakase 4-0 and 4-1 in their games this season and surely it gives them an edge.
Gagomokgwa was critical of the Coke Cup organizing committee over the venue for the final saying that it gives Gunners an edge because it’s their home ground.
“We’re not afraid of Gunners because even if we were to play in Maun, we would beat them,” he continued.
But since coach Boyo Radipotsane took over, Motlakase have improved tremendously and their appearance in the final is by merit. They (Motlakase) are the only side in the cup which has played all their games away from home but came back with a result. The likes of Kagiso Bodigelo, Hillary Madzivinyika,  Lesego Lubinda and goalkeeper Segakolodi Ntima are some of the players who can win the cup for Motlakase.
Gunners’ spokesman, Nelson Radijeng, said that they have a full strength squad for the day and has no doubt that they will beat Motlakase . He pleaded with their supporters to come in numbers to cheer on their team, saying that they will be duly rewarded.
“It has been years without winning anything and I believe that this is our moment. We’re going to win the cup for our supporters and will also be making history by being the first side to win a cup final at the new Lobatse Stadium,” Radijeng said with confidence.
Kenny Ramodisa, who sat out the BDF XI game, will be available for selection.
As usual, inspirational midfielders Ofentse Mmipi, Kemmy Pilato and Kgololo Leteane are the key players Gunners would look up to when the going gets tough.  Young striker Hendrick Moyo who scored the goal that sent them into the finals might also be a handful for Motlakase.
Tickets for the game start selling today at P35 (grand stands) and P25, the rest of the ground.
