Mangwiro in stern Botswana test

EX-Harare City Football Club coach Tawurai Mangwiro faces a tricky Orange FA Cup quarter-final assignment in Botswana, when his Orapa United side takes the road to cup-double chasing Jwaneng Galaxy.

Dubbed as the clash of “diamonds” since both teams are powered by diamond mining companies, the match will be played on Sunday at the Galaxy Stadium.

Mangwiro’s side booked a quarter-final place after winning the round of last 16 encounter 4-2 after penalties against Extension Gunners last month at Lobatse Sports Complex. The match had ended 0-0.

In the first round of the competition, Orapa edged Nico United 1-0 in Selebi Phikwe.
The former Harare City and Caps United gaffer will be hoping that his charges continue with their fine form in the cup competition, as all their games have been played away.

It will not be an easy outing for Mangwiro at Galaxy Stadium, as Jwaneng Galaxy who are at the top of the Botswana Premier Soccer League table have scored an incredible 12 goals in the two Orange FA Cup matches leading to the quarter-finals.
Jwaneng Galaxy clobbered first division outfit FC Masterclass 10-2 in the first round, in a match where sought-after Zimbabwean winger Daniel Msendami scored one goal.

Jwaneng Galaxy went on to knock out Rahman Gumbo’s Morupule Wanderers 2-0 in the round of 16 to set a last eight date with Orapa United.

In the match against Morupule Wanderers, ex-Highlanders central midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku picked up an injury which saw him missing two consecutive league matches for Jwaneng Galaxy.

Masuku might return to action against Orapa United after resuming training at the beginning of the week.
The seasoned midfielder missed his team’s 3-1 home win against Masitaoka FC, a side coached by his former Highlanders mentor Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu.

The ex-Bosso, FC Platinum and Bantu Rovers central midfielder who had established himself in front of defence for the championship chasing Jwaneng Galaxy also missed the 1-2 away shock defeat to BDF XI.

Masuku is hoping to be included in the squad that will face Orapa United.
“I’ve started training, doing some contact training and we’ll see how it goes during the week. My desire is to be available for selection, be ready to play and help the team in the remaining games.

“Everyone is working hard to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to BDF XI. Those things happen in football and at this stage of the season what is important like coach (Morena Ramoreboli) has been emphasizing is to be mentally strong for what lies ahead,” said Masuku.

Meanwhile, in the other Orange FA Cup quarter-finals, defending champions Gaborone United face Mogoditshane Fighters at the VTM Arena while Township Rollers and Security Systems square off at the National Stadium tomorrow.

Mpofu’s youthful Masitaoka will be hoping to sail through to the semi-finals at the expense of BDF XI who they play on Sunday at Molepolole Sports Complex.
— @ZililoR.