05 May 2019

Mochudi Centre Chiefs had on May 4 relegated to First Division after a 3-1 drubbing by Sankoyo Bush Bucks. 

The Maun-based outfit, also on a tipping scale, needed victory to revive their survival chances.

Before the game, only a point separated the two, but they also relied on the outcome between Prisons XI and Black Forest.

Prisons XI was slightly safe, saved by only a point, but its 3-0 victory over Black Forest has placed it two points over Sankoyo and spelt doom for Magosi.

It has been a roller coaster for Magosi, once the darling of the Premiership League, having been champions several times but this has been the most difficult season as boardroom squabbles led to financial difficulties, losing quality players in the process.

This however, is not to say the current squad was not up to task, as the likes of Morris Rusivo, Ayanda Molefhe, Elvis Meleka and Bakang Leshona made the dream team for any coach.

Chiefs has had three different coaches, with Enos Mmesi roped in to perform miracles with two games left.

Speaking with the media at the end of the game, Mmesi said he was only asked to sit on the bench on Wednesday and drilled the team a day before the game.

He said it was unfortunate for a team of Chiefs’ caliber to relegate, saying it has been in Intensive Care Unit for a long time but could not survive the surgery.

Mmesi noted that the best the team could do was to regroup to ensure it bounced back to the elite league, adding he was only volunteering for the last games and was not sure if he would be with the team next season in First Division.

His counterpart, Gadimang Tiiso said his charges played according to plan, especially in the second half when they increased pace up front after realising Chiefs defenders were slow to recover.

The game itself had all the ingredients of an exciting encounter, with both teams attacking each other.

However, it was the Maun-based team that showed more hunger and more commitment as they attacked in large numbers, although this exposed them at the back but Chiefs were slow in their counter attacks.

The visitors piled pressure and in one instance, Chiefs goalkeeper, Siamisang Kgosipula was forced to use his legs to clear danger.

Chiefs was the first team to score through a header by Phenyo Molefhe and the Kgatleng side could have extended its lead three minutes later after goalkeeper Kabelo Kuti was completely beaten but only Terrence Mandaza knows what happened as instead of tapping the ball, he fell, leaving Chiefs defence calling for a penalty but was never given.

Few minutes before end of first half, Kgosipula’s mistake gave Sankoyo its first goal through Tapiwa Sepatela.

Kgosipula had decided to guard the ball out for a goal kick but the quick striker managed to put his foot forward and beat the goalkeeper.

In the second half, while Chiefs tried to equalise, Sepatela gave Sankoyo a leading corner after a brilliant turn in the box and later, with four minutes of regulation time, he scored his hattrick after dribbling past defenders and the goalkeeper.

Chiefs next game will be against Gaborone United. ENDS