Raging Reds promise Orange backlash after humbling defeat
This weekend, Gaborone United briefly put their league troubles on hold as the Reds go in pursuit of Orange FA Cup glory…and revenge!
The two-time reigning champions return to Francistown on Saturday, where they begin the defence of their crown with a tricky last 32 encounter against an Eleven Angels team who beat them 2-1 just seven days ago in what was newly appointed Head Coach, Pontsho Moloi’s first game in charge.
The loss came on the back of a 1-1 in the capital three weeks earlier, a result that kick-started a disastrous run of form for the Money Machine, in which they’ve managed just two points from four games.
However, despite their recent struggles, Moyagoleele newly appointed Communications and Marketing Manager, Herbert Letsebe warned ‘Lekgamu la Bananyana’ to be ready for the onslaught his team is bringing.
“We’re the defending Champions, and we see this competition as one way of getting into Africa. This is our motivation because we’ve unfinished business on the continent,” declared Letsebe.
As well as a P800, 000 pay-day, whoever lifts the Orange FA Cup gains entry into the CAF Confederations Cup, the second biggest club tournament in Africa behind the Champions League, which awaits the winners of the Premier League.
With GU currently trailing Jwananeg Galaxy by eight points with 12 games of the league season remaining, the Orange Cup currently looks the more likely route to Africa.
Letsebe admitted that following their back-to-back losses, the first time GU have suffered consecutive defeats in the league in over three years, there’s a section of football fans who believe the Reds’ empire could be crumbling.
“That’s far from the truth. Naturally as the defending champions of both the league and FA Cup, we’ve everyone gunning for us,” he said.
“Teams might have figured us out, but judging from what has been happening at the training ground this whole week, Angels are in for a big surprise!” Letsebe told Voice Sport.
“We can’t lose twice to the same team here,” he declared defiantly.
Letsebe believes his players have learnt much from their two meetings with Angels and is confident it will be third time lucky in the cup.
“They now know that Angels are no pushovers. Although new in the league, they’re a fully fledged premier league side who deserves to be playing here!”
The new mouthpiece said the team will likely see the return of enterprising midfielder, Mpho Kgaswane, who, sidelined with injury, has been a big miss for GU recently.
Similarly, Eleven Angels will welcome back defender, Thuso Monyama from suspension.
In an interview with Voice Sport on Wednesday, a relaxed Seemo Mpatane said regardless of how many times they face GU, his players will always be highly motivated to take on the Gaborone giants.
“GU will definitely do what’s expected of them. They do not want to lose twice, and I expect them to throw everything at us. But even then, at the back of their mind they’ll know we can hurt them,” said Mpatane, whose side scrapped through the opening round with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Kasane against Mbalakalungu FC.
“We’re up against a team with several national team players, the boys will go out there to enjoy themselves,” promised the highly-rated tactician with a twinkle in his youthful eyes.
Kick-off at the Old Francistown Stadium is 1600hrs – exactly seven days after the two sides last lined up against each other at the same venue.
Another bumper crowd is expected for Take Three of the fascinating David vs Goliath match-up; surely David wouldn’t dare do it again…