19 Jun 2022

Gaborone United have defended the Orange FA Cup after beating Security Systems 2-1 in the final.

In a game played at the National Stadium on Saturday, both teams showed determination to snatch the lucrative cup.

As cup winners, GU aka The Money Machine, received P700 000, a trophy and gold medals, while Systems were consoled with P350 000 and silver medals.

Despite having an almost balanced share of goal scoring chances, a lion share of the opportunities were thrown away as strikers of either side shot blanks.

On one hand, goal minders, Mwampule Masule of Security Systems and Ookeditse Semelamela of GU were equally determined to frustrate the strikers.

However, GU had an upper hand as they managed to utilise two of their golden opportunities, while Systems’ solitary goal was not enough to stop the Money Machine from defending the cup.

Systems were the first to open the goal scoring account in the 11th minute through Takunda Sadiki’s close tap in after receiving a well-executed cross from the right which evaded, GU’s defence.

However, Systems’ goal seemed to have poked a hornet of bees as GU quickly regrouped and Thatayaone Kgamanyane equalised with a thunderous well executed volley in the 15th minute.

The high tempo game continued gaining momentum, with Sadiki terrorising the GU defence, while Obonwe Maome continually provided attackers with delightful balls. Ultimately, the defending champions broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute through Maome.

Despite opening the second half under the same momentum, playing a high tempo and sensational display, the match came to an abrupt halt in the 55th minute due to an injury on Poloko Nkalolang of Systems.

A nasty tackle from Kennedy Amutenya that resulted in a red card stopped the match for more than 10 minutes as the medics attended the injured player, who was eventually rushed to the hospital.

In a post-match interview, Systems coach, Kaelo Kaelo expressed delighted about his team’s performance.

Kaelo said his side managed to breakthrough and take an early lead.

He was also impressed with the players’ devotion as they played to the best of their abilities.

“I had never doubted that devotion and commitment to the game. They are always giving their all. Even in this game they performed well. Yes we are disappointed because we also a wanted to win. I wanted a gold, they wanted a gold but looking at the fact that we are still developing and still growing as a team and therefore can say this result is an achievement,” he said.

He said the team had also performed fairly well in the league settling for sixth position, getting silver as runner-up at Mascom Charity Cup and Orange FA Cup.

“One would say the team is failing to get the targeted prize, but looking at where we are coming from, I am not much concerned but remain positive that the future looks bright,” he said.

For his part, GU coach, Innocent Morapedi was delighted that the team had successfully defended the title.

“We agreed during our team discussion on Tuesday that we are coming here to fight I did not want a myth of people saying GU cannot come back and are not good at fighting,” said Morapedi.

He said players went into the match determined to be robust in their display.

He dedicated the cup win to the assistant coach, Pontsho Moloi who was currently studying.

“Whether he is here or not, play for him remind him that we appreciate what he was doing for the team,” he said.

He was also happy that players executed their plan well.

Morapedi commended Security Systems coach, Kaelo for working hard in building a formidable team for the future. Ends