19 Jan 2015

Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Extension Gunners started the second round of be Mobile Premier League by a draw on January 16.

The match got off to a lively start with Gunners dictating terms as their players showed urgency on the ball. 
They also looked more comfortable on the ball, denying their opponents room to manoeuver for 20 minutes.


Gunners’ hard work and resilience paid dividends in the 26^th minute when Katlego Koobake unleashed a killer pass which was received by Pako Modikwe who did not waste time but scored a cracker.


Centre Chiefs tried to retaliate in the 28^th minute when Lemponye Tshireletso and Pontsho Moloi launched an attack, but Tshireletso’s effort was thwarted by Gunners goal minder, Wagarre Dikago.


On the 39th minute, Chiefs were awarded a free kick which was well taken by Galagbwe Moyana, and Chiefs players caused confusion forcing Dikago to parry Wilbroad Mutale ball inside the net to make it one all draw.


On the 42nd minute, Pontsho Moloi missed a golden scoring opportunity with only the goalkeeper left to beat, but ballooned the ball.
 The game went into a recess with the score sheet reading 1-1, and after the break both teams showed a sense of urgency with both sides having their fair share of attack.


In the 59^th minute, Mapantsula suffered a setback when their captain, Monageng Thaele was rushed to hospital after an injury. As if that was not enough, their coach Dragojlo Stanojlovic was send out of the field, forcing Gunners to play without a mentor, since both the goalkeeper trainer and assistant coach were not on the bench.


The game ended with a one all draw. Desire Bafana said they played according to the coach’s instructions more especially in the first 15 minutes of the game.
 He, however, said they gave their opponents room, hence they committed a free kick that cost them.

He said Centre Chiefs are free kick specialist, hence it is important that any team that faces Magosi should avoid them.
 Bafana further said they committed many fouls in the first half which Chiefs managed to capitalise on.


He said the fact that their coach was sent out of the field did not affect them as they had planned for the game. “What we did is that we sticked to our initial plan, and I am happy we managed to play to a draw,” he said.


Chiefs coach Mike Sithole said the game was tough, adding that his side finished the first round on a high note, but that the Christmas break affected their rhythm. 
 Sithole said their midfield did not function properly. ENDS