19 Feb 2023

The Orange FA Cup, fondly known as Bopha Skeleme, got off to an exciting start over the weekend.

In a rematch of the Debswana First Division South league encounter at the VTM arena near Metsimotlhabe, VTM FC known to its legion of fans as Bafana Ba Dijabane advanced to the next round after a 4-2 penalty shootout victory against Matebejana FC.

VTM went into the match as favourites, but it was the visitors who were the hungrier of the two.

Matebejana displayed much confidence and pressed well for an opening goal, but were denied on several occasions by the stocky Victor Mothakaja in the VTM goal.

At the end of the first half, it was former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Sifiso Myeni’s perfect header, which separated the two sides.

Matebejana entered the second stanza like a house of fire. They launched several attacks and enjoyed much of the possession.

After a few minutes from the break, the Tigerkloof family, as they are affectionately known pulled one back to level matters after a brilliant run from the left flank. Audreen Chisiyana made a quick sprint upfront and met a brilliant cross inside the box to put past Mothakaja.

Myeni failed to bag a brace after brilliantly controlling a long pass inside the danger area but his well-executed half-volley was blocked out for a corner kick.

Sensing danger VTM coach’ Nelson Olebile’ made three quick changes to pile pressure upfront. He pulled out Onkokame Keontse, Musa Tamokate and Lucky Mokwena for Ernest Tawazaza, Emang Tlhasenyana and Thato Mogorosi.

Myeni who had taken a knock during the run of play was also sacrificed in favour of Kabelo Thomba. 

Tawazaza’s first contribution nearly paid off after rounding off a couple of defenders, but his shot skipped the upright.

At the end of regulation time, it was a goal apiece and the homeside scored four of their five penalties to move to the next round.

In other fixtures of the tournament, a waterlogged pitch in Taung made it impossible for the homeside Taung Young Strikers to host URI Black Forest and the game was postponed. 

UB Hawks returned from Ghanzi empty handed after falling to Nojane Young Stars by a single goal.

Mochudi United also had an unsuccessful trip to Tsabong as they were beaten by the same score line by Black Rangers. Ends