However, after six games, Mochudi Centre Chiefs are not letting go of the grip at the stop. Enosi Mmesi's side continued their impressive start to the 2024-2025 FNB Premiership with a 1-0 win over visiting Sua Flamingoes at the National Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Magosi are making their return to the elite league this season after the infamous drop in 2019. Currently leading the pack, though by just a point, Magosi are on course to be the second side to claim the elite league coming straight from the lower division, after the 2004-2005 Township Rollers team. Exactly 20 years ago, the late Joseph ‘Banks’ Panene guided Popa to a league and cup double in their first season since returning from the second tier league. Mmesi’s charges look like a team that it is not willing to take the foot off the accelerator any time soon.
They are the only three teams still unbeaten as the season nears the end of its first quarter. Magosi are highest scoring team and one of the teams that have conceded less. Early into the season, the odds are with Mmesi to pull a ‘Banks Panene’ moment with the now rejuvenated Kgatleng giants. On Sunday afternoon, Magosi looked to be on the front foot as early as possible but missed a number of chances. In the first five minutes, they had to survive a scare by the visitors. Serati Semadi was afforded some space inside the box and had his shot hit the cross bar and looked to have crossed the line for a goal after the rebound.
However, the match official did not call for a goal. Pako Gaofose came closer to giving Chiefs a goal on the 23rd minute but his header went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. It only took four minutes to the second half for Magosi to finally get their goal. Chicco Molefe played a low cross into the box for Lebopo Moremi who had enough time and space to pick a spot and beat the goalkeeper to the bottom corner as Chiefs fans went into wild celebrations. From the goal, Chiefs took grip of the tie but became their own enemy as they failed to extend the lead. With three minutes to time, Ototeng Dintwa had his shot blocked by the defender with the goal gaping and goalkeeper beaten. A goal from Moremi proved enough as Magosi recorded their lowest scoring win since the start of the season. Mmesi is enjoying a good run of form but the journey will get tougher as his side is yet to face traditional contenders such as Rollers, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United who currently occupy the third, fourth and fifth spots respectively.
The teams
Chiefs: Kabelo Maphakela, Jackson Lesole, Thami Zulu, Kgosietsile Enerst, Chicco Molefe, Keitumetse Samuzala, Bakang Mpatane, Monty Enosa (Ototeng Dintwa), Pako Gaofose (Bogosi Mfila), Lebopo Moremi, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Arnold Obuseng)
Sua: Keletso Lekuni, Obusitse Gabadise, Goitseone Legopelo, Thato Seagateng, Gomotsang Tselaesele, Marius Kotze (Tawana Mbakile), Phenyo Serameng, Boikobo Osupile, Botshelo Mafoko (Mcebisi Moyo) Serati Semadi (Bame Morwalela), Samuel Makgoro (Mooketsi Leotwane)
Chiefs 1 (Moremi 49th) Sua Flamingoes 0
