Chiefs perform perfect heist in Broadhurst
Mqondisi Dube | Monday January 30, 2023 15:51
Broadhurst United were the hapless victims, with no intervention as Chiefs ran 3-1 winners to move to within just two points of log leaders, CrackiT City Polar, who dropped points away to Black Rangers.
Another title contender Matebele also failed to win, which saw Magosi move into second position with 20 points. There is an unmistakable aura of belief in the Kgatleng giants’ camp as they ramp up efforts to join football's elite next season.
On Saturday afternoon, their promotion bid received renewed impetus as Chiefs were given the freedom of Broadhurst. The home side tried to make the match a contest, but the quality of the former Premier League champions and the sheer determination to succeed was the difference. Both teams were searching for wins after midweek disappointments with Broadhurst being victims of a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Young Stars while Chiefs could not breach the City Polar defense in a 0-0 stalemate.
Like the midweek encounter against City Polar, the Chiefs game drew an impressive crowd and the match was not short of entertainment. As expected, Chiefs drew first blood with a perfect Khumotsile Kufigwa free-kick in the 20th minute.
The former Nico United man planted a firm shot into the top corner. However, Broadhurst refused to lie down as they relied on sporadic counter-attacks. From one such raid, the hosts drew level in the 34th minute as Tlhalefang Amos profited from Chiefs goalkeeper, Tumisang Selolwane’s indecision. The equaliser silenced the crowd but Chiefs kept probing while Broadhurst sat too deep, inviting the pressure.
The constant Chiefs enquiries bore fruit just before half-time as Ishmael Metlhaleng put the visitors ahead with a beauty. Receiving a pass from the right, Metlhaleng eliminated one defender before riffling into the top corner to give Chiefs a 2-1 lead at the break. When the teams returned from the break, Chiefs coach, Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare introduced the exciting Goitseone Bokhutlo, who did not waste time to dazzle. He added the much need pace and vim to the match and even the SSG ground dust appeared to rise in admiration.
The attacker was involved for the third goal as he made a run from deep, going past several bamboozled United players, before a perfect through ball left Tebogelo Malebogo with no option but to extend Chiefs’ advantage in the 64th minute. While he faded as the match wore on, Bokhutlo left lasting impressions and was a recipient of kind words from fans at full time. Nare was elated with the win and believes Chiefs are on track for a return to the Premier League. “If we continue rectifying our mistakes, we can succeed.
There is a lot to play for after the City Polar drew. Everybody wants this team to go up. We are not far away from the best in the league. We are learning our lessons, one step at a time and we will give our best,' he said. Broadhurst coach, Thebeemang Moseki said the target is to lift the team to the top six despite the recent problems. 'I want this team to finish around number five or six.
It appears most teams in the Premier League from the south might drop and that will affect us if we don't finish in a good position,” he said. 'I am happy with the material I have. I have targeted a striker and by Tuesday, I would have one. ” The teams Broadhurst: M. Gabonangaka, Tirelo Tlwaelang, Michael Khumanego, Letso Lekoko, Machu Machu, Thabiso Sebinyane, Barulaganye Bokhutlo (Jonathan), Tumelo Molema, Omphile Lenyatso, Leago Maswena, Thalefang Amos (Pilane)
Chiefs: Tumisang Selolwane, Ishmael Metlhaleng (Bokhutlo), Tuelo Mpedi, Oweditse Tuelo, Kaelo Ntsimane, Kakanyo Kethubile (Sebolai), Keorapetse Kgathatsa, Onkemetse Gasemotho, Keesaletse Sekao (Lekorwe), Tebogelo Malebogo, Khumoetsile Kufigwa
Broadhurst 1 (Amos 34th) Chiefs 3 (Kufigwa 20, Metlhaleng 44, Malebogo 64th)