15 Jun 2025

Jwaneng Galaxy has won back-to-back Orange FA Cup titles after an extra time 2-0 victory over Security Systems through goals by Nqobizitha Masuku and Thabang Sesinyi on Friday evening at the National Stadium.

Both teams stepped on the field for the Friday night final on the back of some esthetic victories in their semifinal double header showdown a fortnight ago, where Systems secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over VTM FC, while Galaxy got a 2-1 victory against Matebele FC. With the hype and thrill leading to the finals in mind, the game was worthy of the build up with the two teams technically balanced and both approaching the game with a 4-3-3 formation.

Nonetheless, in a moment that will be etched in the club’s history as back-to-back FA cup champions, it was Galaxy skipper Thabo Leinanyane, who lifted the coveted trophy high into the night before a sizeable crowd of supporters that braved the freezing weather for a spectacle game of football, filled with suspense to the final whistle. Despite missing out on the league title in the final matches of the season and finishing fourth, Galaxy once again proved their dominance in cup football winning the FA for the second time in a row.

For Security Systems, it was yet another heartbreak having previously lost 2-1 in the final of the same cup in 2022. Their woes this season were compounded by kissing goodbye the elite FNB Premiership, and being relegated to the lower first division south league. Following a horrendous league campaign, Systems had the Orange FA cup to salvage what has been an awful season and it came as no surprise that they fought to the bitter end only to concede in extra-time.

Notwithstanding the high intensity on the pitch, there was some drama away from the football action; a brawl broke between the two set of players over accusation of the use of traditional medicine and a power supply outage also saw the match being stopped briefly.

For Seemo “16” Mpataane and his technical squad, FA cup victory also guarantees continental football in the CAF Confederation Cup and the gaffer took plenty of credit in how his side ended what could have been a disappointing campaign.

Only three teams have managed to win the Orange FA cup since its inception. Orapa United were the first side to lay hands on the trophy before Gaborone United went on a rampage and winning it for three successive times followed by Galaxy in the past two seasons.

Galaxy also won the majority of individual accolades with Mpatane crowned coach of the tournament while midfield maestro Girlbet Baruti was awarded the player of tournament award and Victor James was crowned the goalkeeper of the tournament. Mochudi Center Chiefs prolific striker, Dumisane Kubane won the top goal scorer award after netting six goal in the tournament while match officials Joyce Tshepe and Ookeditse Keitseoepe walked away with referee and assistant referee awards respectively. ENDS