The 2024/25 Orange FA Cup final has all the makings of a thriller. Security Systems, one of the finalists, is still smarting from being relegated from the Premier League, and has a point to prove. Jwaneng Galaxy, the other finalist narrowly missed out on winning the league title and has an itch to scratch. Both teams have a lot riding on the what promises to be a nail biting 90 minutes at the National Stadium next Friday.
Though both teams do not exactly have the biggest following in the league, most football fans’ eyes will be on the game that will determine bragging rights.
Fresh from relegation, Security Systems goes into the final with one thing in mind, to prove that they are still a force to reckon with in Botswana football, by taking the cup home with them.
Hope, the team’s Public Relations Manager, stated, “Reaching the final proves that we are one of the elite and big teams. We have come far and are determined to end this journey with a cup to our name. We also want to represent the country in CAF competitions. This will be historic as it will be the first time a team from the lower division has represented Botswana in CAF.”
Hope added that the team’s relegation has given them renewed purpose to come back stronger. “We are rebuilding our team and would be honoured to win this Cup. Our hard work will pay off,” she said.
The team is preparing well for the final, despite a minor injury to one of their wingers. Hope mentioned, “Apart from that, our team is ready for the final.”
She also noted that the team’s good performance in the FA Cup has earned them respect from supporters and other teams. “They know and feel our presence as FA Cup finalists,” she said.
Systems coach, Botlhasitse acknowledged that as the team they had challenges and made mistakes which they hope to rectify immediately so that the team can regain its promotion back to the elite league.
On the other hand, Tankiso Morake, Jwaneng Galaxy spokesperson is oozing confidence. “Our aim is to win the FA Cup; that’s the only way to participate in the CAF Confederations Cup,” he said. Galaxy is planning to ferry its supporters on Friday to Gaborone to rally behind the team.
Jwaneng Galaxy’s new coach, Sean Connor is expected to be on the bench during the final, provided his work permit is approved. Connor penned down a two-year contract with the mining team. The winners of the Orange FA Cup will receive a prize of P800,000.
