The making of history beckons for the illustrious Botshabelo-based football outfit D’ General FC and their coach, Morena “Festy” Lothane, in this year’s Nedbank Cup. The ABC Motsepe League campaigning side is eyeing a quarter-final berth, with a last-16 group spot being a realistic hope.
To realise their quest, they are compelled to dispose of the Limpopo-based Madritas FC when they meet, showing a big match temperament, in the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday, 25 February. The match is scheduled to start at 15:00. Tickets are already selling at R40 at Computicket outlets.
The winner automatically progresses to the last-16 group.
Lothane and his gutsy lads’ ambition is to become the first Free State second-tier club to reach the quarter-final. There is a very real possibility of him achieving a last-16 feat with his current club from his home town of Botshabelo. Lothane’s previous experience in the last-16 standing was in 2022, with his former side Mathaithai FC. His fairytale ended with baptism by fire when the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns FC handed him and his players a 6 – 0 thrashing.
D’ General reached the last-32 group stage for the first time since its formation in 2019. The team’s rich vein of form could see it becoming the fourth club from the Free State to reach the last-16 group of the lucrative tournament. Previous achievers are the now defunct Roses United and Maluti FET College, with the latest being Mathaithai in 2022.
John Tlale attained it with Roses FC in 2012, after beating Bay United FC 2 – 0, and Morena Ramorebodi followed suit with Maluti FC after demolishing Orlando Pirates 4 – 1 in 2013.
Lothane hopes his warriors will rise to the occasion against the closed-book Madritas; just as they did against Bloemfontein Celtic in the ABC Motsepe League return encounter played at the Dr RP Molemela Stadium on Sunday, 18 February. The teams drew one-all.
Lothane said this rich vein of form has inspired him to surpass his own feat.
“We are targeting the quarter-final, and I believe it is possible if we execute our game plan. Such an achievement would indicate growth in my coaching career and for the players, too, given their dedication,” he said.
According to Lothane, the team’ superb form against Celtic has fuelled them to upstage Madritas, and he has strongly warned against complacency, given the opponents’ struggle in the league competition.
“The performance against Celtic was significant in testing the mental strength of my players, their offensive and defensive ability.
“This is despite letting Celtic off the hook after scoring first,” said Lothane.
The stakes are high for both D’ General and the visiting Madritas, with a guaranteed R200 000 for the winner, who will then qualify for the last-16 stage. In addition, both sides will be rewarded with R100 000 for their reaching the last-32 group.
