Ndlovu silences his critics

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday May 21, 2013 00:00

 

Chiefs join the likes of Township Rollers, BDF XI, Extension Gunners and Mogoditshane Fighters as some of the Premier League sides that have managed to successfully defend the league title.

'There were so many doubting Thomases, so many situations that were created to get at me but with God I have managed to overcome,' Ndlovu said after the 1-0 victory over BMC at Molepolole Sports Complex on Sunday. Godfrey Ngele scored the only goal of the match in the first half to hand Chiefs their third Premier League title. Chiefs needed a win to take their tally to 62 points and recapture the title.

Their closest rivals, Nico United can only reach 60 points if they win their remaining two games. Despite winning the league with three matches yet to play, it has not been smooth sailing for Magosi especially in the second round.After engaging in the CAF Champions League where they lost in the second round against TP Mazembe, Chiefs suffered a slump in form. They surrendered the first position on the league table to Nico United in the process after holding it for the better part of the campaign.

They bounced back at the beginning of this month, winning 3-0 against Notwane and have not dropped points since then, winning the next four matches. Ndlovu admitted that it was not easy despite achieving one of the rare feats in local football. 'We won the league under difficult circumstances. It was not going to be easy especially since we were also taking part in the Champions League. Getting into Champions League was something that we wanted to experience and it has paid off since three of our players are in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),' he said. Dirang Moloi, Phenyo Mongala and Jerome Ramatlhakwana are currently being assessed by a DRC side after catching their attention in the competition.

Ndlovu also pointed that it was not going to be easy considering the average age of his squad but praised his players for their determination. He said the plan was to go all out and collect as many points in the first round as possible. 'My target is always to beat my own record. Last season we finished on 69 points, this time we have a chance to finish on 71 points and that is what we would try to do,' Ndlovu added.

Against BMC on Sunday, Ndlovu gave some of the players who had not seen much action this season a start.David Makakaba started upfront with Ramatlhakwana still in DRC, while Kekaetswe Moloi was on the bench. Kutlo Sejeso played at left back while the goal-scorer, Ngele, played alongside Elvis Meleka in the midfield. Sejeso was eventually replaced by Kenamile Mani who moved to the right back position with Sekgabo Molebatsi switching to the left.

Ndlovu pointed out the intention is to give youngsters a run so that they are ready when the new season begins as manay of the players in the team are already going over the hill. Chiefs are yet to play Extension Gunners, Miscellaneous and Mogoditshane Fighters. Despite winning the league on Sunday, Chiefs were not presented with the trophy and will only be crowned in their last match of the season against Fighters on June 1.