16 Jun 2024

Jwaneng Galaxy are this year’s Orange FA Cup champions. They beat Orapa United 2-1 during the cup final at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Saturday.

The triumph means the Jwaneng based outfit are double champions having claimed the league championship a few weeks ago.

Both teams lacked composure during the game and there were few exciting moments. The Ostriches, as Orapa United are affectionately known, had plenty of goal scoring chances, but Eric Ookame was wasteful.

 In the 38^th minute, Thero Setsile raised the noise level with his opener for Galaxy.

In the second half, Galaxy came back more determined to continue with their lead with Goitseone Phoko having nothing much to worry about between the posts. Galaxy even looked more composed and dangerous after the introduction of Thabang Sesinyi and Wendell Rudath in the second half.

However, with less than 10 minutes left, Lemogang Maswena, who had replaced Ookame, equalised to make it 1-1 and even more interesting for supporters.

 However, the euphoria did not last as their defence was immediately caught off guard when Sesinyi scored to give Galaxy the cup.

Galaxy walked away with P800 000 and gold medals while Orapa pocketed P400 000 and silver medals.

Orapa United coach, Gadimang Tiiso said his players had a stage fright and could not score easy chances.

He, nonetheless, said it was a learning curve for them and they would work to rectify their mistakes.

Galaxy coach, Morena Ramoreboli, who walked away with P20 000 for coach of the tournament, said Orapa performed better that his side, but his players capitalised on mistakes and took their chances.

 “Orapa was the better side compared to us, but fortunately we got the goals,” he said.

Phoko was crowned goalkeeper of the tournament and won P20 000 while Onkabetse Makgantai and Bakang Moloke were joint top goal scorers with four goals each earning them P30 000. Ends