09 May 2016

Mochudi Centre Chiefs were crowned the 2015/2016 beMOBILE champions on Saturday after playing to a goalless draw with host Jwaneng Galaxy Football Club in the last game of the season.

Magosi who were the favourites to win the game did not have it easy as the home team, Jwaneng Galaxy FC dominated most of the game and creating numerous scoring opportunities that had Magosi supporters sitting on the edge of their seats. In the first half of the game, Jwaneng Galaxy FC’s attacking mid fielder Thero Setsile troubled the defense of Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC having his way in creating scoring opportunities but  that did not bear fruits. 

Though Jwaneng Galaxy FC had Magosi chasing after them, they too created scoring opportunities that saw Jwaneng Galaxy FC goalkeeper Anthony Gouws denying them a goal. In the 38^th minute, Magosi thought they had a goal only to be disappointed as the assistant referee had already indicated that Onalethata Tshekiso was offside. Mochudi Centre Chiefs supporters hoped for a goal in the 43^rd minute from their middle fielder Lesego Galenamothale’s set piece but he  could not shake the defense of Jwaneng Galaxy . The score sheet was left  blank in the first half of the game.

In the first 15 minutes of the second half, both teams visited each other’s goal posts but nothing materialised as both the defense and the goal keepers of each team were ready for their opponents. Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC kept on pressing Jwaneng Galaxy FC as on the 18^th minute they were awarded a penalty after Jwaneng Galaxy FC goal keeper Anthony Gouws didn’t play Lempone Tshireletso well in the 18th area. Anthony Gouws redeemed himself  by denying Magosi a goal as he saved Lemponye Tshireletso’s penalty which also denied him being the top goal scorer of the season. The penalty miss demoralised the Kgatleng side as Jwaneng Galaxy FC started to have full control of the game until the last minute of the second half and still Jwaneng Galaxy could not score regardless of being dominant ending the game with a goalless draw that crowned Magosi champions.

In the post match interview Jwaneng Galaxy FC coach Philane Mabhena said he was proud of his boys as they showed hunger to stay in the elite league. He said they created good scoring opportunities that only needed killer instinct finishes for them to bag maximum points they were aiming. He however said that they will share the point and go back to the drawing table to see where improvements are needed to have a better and perked up team next season.

For his part, the champions’ coach Mike Sithole gave credit to his players and said it was a good moment to end the season on a high note especially for Magosi’s long time player Pontsho Moloi who is retiring. Sithole described Moloi as a motivated and talented player who deserved to retire on a high note.

The retiring captain was delighted to retire as  a champion  and thanked his team mates, management and supporters for their continual support  in the last 10 years in which the club has been five time league champions  He attributed his good performance to the support from Magosi supporters. ENDS