Chiefs keep promotion dream alive
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday May 17, 2022 05:47
Magosi kept their dream of returning to the Premier League next season alive by scoring three goals against rivals, Rovers at a packed River Plate ground in Mochudi Saturday afternoon, thanks to Marlven Moyo’s headed goal and Emmanuel Thabe’s brace.
The win put Chiefs who are in second position, just five points adrift top spot after log leaders Holy Ghost played to a draw against Matebele FC. The Saturday results set the First Division South league for a thrilling finish with just three games to go. Chiefs showed their intentions clear from the first whistle, with Arnold Mampori controlling the tempo of match and pulling strings in the middle of the park. Mampori saw his hurriedly taken shot fly over the bar in the first minute after good interchange of passes. A few minutes later in the fifth minute, Moyo missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he found himself one on one with the keeper. The skillful attacker got at the end of a long ball from the back but could not capitalise as he shot wide.
It was all Chiefs attack, as they missed another chance to take the lead when Thabe hit the upright with the keeper well beaten from a good move in the sixth minute. Rovers nearly took the lead when their striker Thabang Mogomotsi nearly got at the end of a sloppy back pass from Chiefs’ Gomotsang Tselaesele. However, Chiefs goalkeeper Tshenolo Letshelea came off his line to clear the ball. Chiefs’ Oarabile Powa saw his header go over the bar in the 23rd minute following a direct free kick from the right. Moyo opened the scoring for chiefs in the 34th minute when he headed home from close range after some neat interchanges in middle of the park.
After the break, the two teams cancelled each other for about five minutes. Rovers nearly equalised when their marksman Keogile Modise saw his powerful shot beat the crossbar in the 50th minute with the keeper rooted to the spot. Chiefs then made it 2-0 in the 65th minute after Thabe capitalised on a defensive blunder from Rovers' defender Mokgadi Damu to slot past the onrushing Obakeng Pone. He completed his brace just five minutes before time to ensure that Chiefs collected maximum points.
After the match, a delighted Chiefs’ assistant coach David Thowe said he is adamant that they will play premier league football next season following their emphatic 3-0 win in the Mochudi derby. The coach said their preparations for the game was reflected in how they performed. The losing coach, Carlos Chaba said the result was a true reflection of the match. Despite the loss, the coach said his team will survive relegation.
The teams:
Chiefs: Letshelea, Maatla Magosha, Tselaesele, Bokamoso Mbambo, Donald Rapulane, Mampori, Moyo, Donald Moilwe (Kopano Kgamanyane), Powe (Thapelo Tlhase), Khumoetsile Kufigwa, Thabe
Rovers: Pone, Emmanuel Tselapedi, Damu, Temogo Tladi, Kaelo Mtsimane, Motshelo Modise, Tapologo Matlapeng (Thuto Kgosimore), Thabang Mogomotsi, Modise (Prince Boikanyo), Julius Montsho, Darren Matshuba.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs: 3 (Moyo 34th, Thabe 67th, 85th)
Mochudi Rovers: 0