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Gumare stream 2021/22 champions, Etsha Morning Stars aim to fight all the way to the last 16 of the Orange FA Cup Season 4 which kicks-off this month.
Orange Botswana last month unveiled a P15.4 million three-year sponsorship for the cup and the draw for the last 48 round of the competitions has also already been conducted.
This stage comprise top 8 teams of the Southern and Northern national first division as well as the regional champions per Botswana Football Association (BFA) block. The southern matches will be held on the 17-19 February while those in the northern side will be played on the 24-26 February.
Winning teams will proceed to the last 32 stage, which is set for 10th -12th February, and will in addition feature premier league teams. Etsha Morning Stars will begin their mammoth task travelling to the mining town of Selebi-Phikwe to face Super Stars FC in their first match of the season.
As they will be travelling more than 600 km to their away game, the team’s secretary Baeti Gende revealed that they have a zero balance in their account to cover the expenses of the journey.
He told Times Sport that they have since approached different individuals, companies and government offices to support them with transportation, accommodation and food costs.
“We have written letters to our district council (Okavango) for help with transportation and accommodation logistics for the away trip, and we are hopeful that we will get a positive response before the set deadline,” he said.
Despite the financial challenges, Gende said their boys are prepared for the games adding that they have also managed to boost their squad during the transfer window hence they strongly believe that their aim to reach the last 16 stage is achievable.
“My team is ready and fit to fight for a win to continue with the competition,” Gende said as he is confident about winning against Super Stars.
Meanwhile Botswana Football Association (BFA) Chief Executive Officer Mfolo Mfolo revealed that all structures have been informed and requested to facilitate their clubs in the fixture schedule for the upcoming season so that they are able to honour the matches. He further assured that the tournament will be played as planned for the entire 2022/23 season.
