The Much Anticipated Orange FA Cup Returns!!

Another thrilling season is upon us as the official launch has taken place and teams are revealed in a random systematic draw of 8/8.

The FA Challenge Cup which is currently known as the Orange FA Cup or Orange Cup for sponsorship reasons, is the premier club football tournament in Botswana. It dates back to the year 1968, however at that time it first played as the Lions Cup and the aim or purpose for this tournament is based on the idea of giving amateur or lower league teams a chance to compete with top flight teams. It is based on the English FA Cup, which has become known for “giant killings” (lower league teams defeating top flight).

This name stayed in place until 1992 when the sponsorship was taken over by Coca-Cola changing the name to the Coca-Cola Cup. 2012 the Coca-Cola Cup sponsorship deal expired afterwards causing the tournaments to take a six year pause due to lack of sponsors. Orange Botswana then took the initiative to take over the sponsorship in 2018 and immediately renamed it Orange FA Cup or Orange Cup.

Seasons after season past and Orange Botswana through the Orange FA Cup renewed its sponsorship with Botswana Football Association (BFA) for an additional three seasons valued at P5 138 000 00, an investment increase of 17%. The renewed collaboration will see an increase in the tournament prize money to an amount of P800. 000. 00. Which was announced during the season 4 cup launch.

Even after the Covid pandemic, Orange Botswana continues to support the Botswana Football Association (BFA) with their support it has allowed football exposure to spread and bring a source of entertainment, blurring the boarders between rural & city, this encourages those with inspiration to play football states the BFA President Letshwiti. “Orange FA cup gives established players the opportunity to further distinguish themselves from others while it also gives ambitious amateurs the opportunity to dream even bigger,” Maclean Letshwiti continues to expresses.

Botswana Football Association’s President Maclean Letshwiti says “the only way we can achieve the dreams we vision is through partnership and the big wish is to see or have Botswana be part of the world cup”.

Orange Botswana Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Mr. Bishy Butale expresses how Orange is synonyms with football and today is all about reviewing the vows with BFA for the Orange property for a further 3 years. “Orange Botswana & the BFA have capacity to take their organization to even dizzier heights” says CFO Butale. The renewal of the sponsorship agreement with BFA reaffirms their dedication to fostering the development, growth and promotion of the local game and upliftment of communities. “The collaboration with BFA makes a difference to thousands of people both directly and indirectly. Most importantly the FA Cup offers a life changing opportunity to lower league players leaving them with life long memories,” emphasized Butale.

Mr. Butale indicates that as much as the BFA has a right to be sponsored, it also has a responsibility to the nation at large.

The Season fixture draws are as follows:

South Fixtures

Matebejana vs. VTM

Kang Royal Stallion vs. Lokgwabe United Holy Ghost vs. Mochudi Centre Chiefs

Nojane Young Stars vs. UB Hawks

Black Rangers vs. Mochudi United

Taung Young Strikers vs. URI Black Forest

Matebele FC vs. Tlokweng United

Broadhurst United vs. Naughty Boys

North Fixtures

Sankoyo Bushbucks vs. FC Masterpiece Green Lovers vs. Miscellaneous

Super Stars vs. Etsha Morning Star

Chadibe FC vs. Mogorosi Daillars

Zowa United vs. Peace Makers

Rolling Guys vs. Santa Green

Eleven Angels vs. Mbalakalungu

Nico United vs. Dukwi Sporting Club

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