17 Mar 2015

Mochudi Centre Chiefs prolific midfielder, Lesego Galenamotlhale, says they will take each game as it comes in their quest for the league championship.

He said this in an interview after his team clobbered bottom log placed Letlapeng 3-1 in a be Mobile game at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks on March 14.

Galenamotlhale said being at the top of the log put them under immense pressure given that teams they faced were eager to upset them as it was the case against Letlapeng. “To be honest, it is very difficult but we will continue with our fighting spirit until the last whistle” he said.

Galenamotlhale, who had been praised as a midfield stabiliser, said his confidence on the ball always worked wonders for him hence he would continue working hard to ensure they put a smile on their supporters faces at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Centre Chiefs went into the field determined to annihilate Letlapeng in the first stanza but their indecisiveness inside the box let them down. Chiefs could have opened the scoring in the 12th minute but Lemponye ‘FC’ Tshireletso missed a seater after Pontsho Moloi’s well-placed pass.

In the 15th minute, Magosi were awarded a free kick but Galenamotlhale’s miscalculated move from a rebound saw the chance going begging. Despite Chiefs mounting pressure, Letlapeng’s defence remained compact and would come to the party on different occasion. “The Rock” as Letlapeng are fondly known managed to quell the storm.

Five minutes before half time, Ocean Mpofu did not waste time to bury a well-crafted Othusitse ‘Jabu’ Pilane cross to make the score 1-0 The goal changed the complexion of the game as Chiefs continued surging forward in search of a cushion goal but Letlapeng goal minder, Tumiso Mashakola, made some brilliant saves.

Nevertheless, Letlapeng managed to equalise through Tshegofatso Chimuku in the 65th minute. Mochudi Centre Chiefs coach, Mike Sithole, reacted with a double substitution introducing Onalethata Tshekiso and Galabgwe Moyana for Tendai Nyamusi and Pontsho Moloi respectively.

The substitution worked for the Kgatleng based side, as they continued to make good moves. On the other hand, while Letlapeng were ball watching, Chiefs hard work paid dividends in the 84th minute through Tshireletso who linked well with Pilane to make it 2-1.

While both Letlapeng supporters and players were still shocked, Keaketswe ‘Mara’ Moloi scored the third and last goal of the game, ensuring that his team earned three valuable points.

The victory means Chiefs are still at the top of the log with 50 points, followed by Orapa United with 44.  Defending champions Township Rollers are on position three with 43 while Gaborone United are fourth with 41 points.

Mochudi Centre Chiefs coach, Mike Sithole, said he was happy that his players continued with their fighting spirit as Letlapeng gave them a run for their money.

“I would say we are moving in the right direction. For us, three points every game matters a lot, honestly, you will agree with me that these lower ranked team can give you a scare,” he said. He praised Letlapeng for giving them good game, adding that chiefs won on the day because of a pool of players who are always willing to bring good result.

His counterpart, Blessing Moyo said he side fought well but playing championship material, is always a challenge. “My players did their part, surely I can’t blame them for the loss. It is also a lesson to them, we were supposed the wrap up the game to at least finish off with a draw,” he said 

Quizzed on whether his team would survive the axe, he was quick to point out that they would take each game as it comes, adding in the game of football every point was important. ENDS