16 Sep 2019

 Mochudi Centre Chiefs have registered their second consecutive victory in the Debswana First Division South after narrowly defeating Jwaneng Fighters by a solitary goal in a lukewarm encounter played at City Polar Grounds in Ramonaka on Sunday.

With their famous Skanska Stadium alias Ratsweetswee under renovation, the Kgatleng giants took their first home game to Ramonaka, about 40 kilometres from Mochudi, giving their supporters in the river villages an opportunity to see them in action without the need to travel long distances.

One supporter remarked that their relegation from the elite league had given the team an opportunity to take football to the people.

The game itself started on a low note although the visitors had an upper hand, especially upfront where they exchanged quick passes and troubled the Magosi defence.

Chiefs’ defender Thato Bolelweng had a busy afternoon, with Tshepiso Bajammena making him work unpaid overtime with his speed and clever footwork.

Bajammena, Keaotshepha Leburu, Richard Sakaeng and Maatla Ditshuso kept Chiefs defenders on their toes although they failed to capitalise on their attacks as their shots did not give Otsile Ben real test.

Playing as an attacking midfielder, Ditshuso, who also marshaled the midfield, had clear chances just inside the penalty arch but saw shots go wide.

Chiefs at the other end launched long balls targeting Jerome Ramatlhakwane and Terrence Mandaza and the veterans however were locked.

The team needs additional midfielders, an attacking and a defending midfielder as there was no one to link defence with the strikers.

Furthermore, Fighters closed all the gaps and they fought for every ball, giving them an upper hand, especially in the first half.

Given such scenarios, Chiefs made a first half substitution introducing Koketso Mphukhuthi for Lebogang Jabari.

However, the two teams went to recess without finding the back of the net.

In the second half, Fighters increased their pace with Chiefs’ defence comprising Bolelweng, Oarabile Matlapeng, Modiri Mbise and Mmoloki Kafuko doing everything they could to protect Ben in the goalposts.

The visitors did everything in their disposal to get a victory using pace, dribbling skills and clever off the ball runs but they still could not break the deadlock.

In one instance, Bajammena thought he had put his team ahead after he beat three defenders only to be denied by the well positioned Ben.

At the other end, a cross from Matlapeng troubled Fighters goalkeeper.

Chiefs used the flanks to launch attacks but there was lack of coercion as the strikers did not position themselves well to head the balls.

Mphukhuthi has become Chiefs’ super substitute as he scored a brilliant goal from a tight angle, scoring his second consecutive goal after one against Mogoditshane Fighters in the season opening game. 

Following the goal, the hosts started dictating terms looking for another goal to solidify their victory and the numerous substitutes made took over the game to the visitors.

Through the victory, Chiefs are now pegged at the top of the league with six points from two games and supporters use #reboarotlhe as they look forward to an instant return to the elite league. ends