Mochudi Centre Chiefs have been the most consistent side in the Premier League for the past five seasons. Over the years, they have managed to maintain the same squad despite reports that their players are unhappy.  After coming second for two consecutive seasons, Magosi finally landed the title last season finishing 20 points clear of second-placed BMC. Now that is in the past as the 2012/13 Premier League is expected to kick off on September 22. The million Pula question is whether Chiefs can go and defend their title? Sunday Standard journalist TSHEPO MOLWANE reports.
After winning their first title in 2008 without registering a loss in 30 league games, there was belief that Chiefs would be unstoppable the following season. That never happened as Magosi were a shadow of themselves with internal wars hitting their camp. Many people wondered what could have changed within the club in such a short space of time in the 2007/08 season.
Chiefs had to settle for second spot, which was unacceptable to their followers, considering how expensive the squad they assembled was.
After years of trying, they managed to win in the past season. Having kept the bulk of the squad for more than five years, football commentators believe that Chiefs’ squad has reached the ceiling. Some argue that with the likes of BDF XI, Gaborone United, BMC and Township Rollers having bolstered their squads with new faces, Chiefs might find themselves in murky waters.┬á ?
In the past transfer window which closed on August 31, Chiefs did not spend much, with their executive believing that their squad can still compete for titles. Chiefs have only signed wingers Phenyo Mongala (free agent), David Makakaba (Police XI) and striker Daniel Zokoto from Zimbabwe.
Chiefs’ publicity manager, Clifford Mogomotsi, is confident that the squad they have can take them to the Promised Land.
“There is nothing which is going to stop us and we’re not worried about the negative things which people say about us out there. We still have the character to go all the way because the league is a marathon,” he said.
Mogomotsi dismissed reports that their squad is full of players who have reached the ceiling. He noted that if national coach Stanley Tshosane continues to call the players who are regarded as ‘old’, it means that their critics do not understand football.
“The other thing is that people forget that we have youngsters who have been competing at a higher level for long. Other youngsters will be given a chance this coming season and the experience of their brothers will rub off on them,” added Mogomotsi. ┬á
The ever-confident spin doctor pointed out that what they need to do is rectify the mistakes they made in the last campaign.
“Continuity is very important hence we’ve continued with the coach (Madinda Ndlovu) of whom many people were saying we had fired,” he said.
Radio Botswana commentator, Mmololoki ‘Smallboy’ Mothibi, said that other clubs should underestimate Chiefs at their own peril in the coming season. He dismissed reports that Chiefs have tired old players who will not be able to give them success.
“They are still competitive and are some of the best players in the country. If people say Chiefs have old players, I wonder if they refer to the experienced youngsters who have been at the club for some time,” he said.
Mothibi pointed out that Magosi may not have one of the best goalkeepers in the country but that is covered by their rock-solid defence.
“Chiefs’ other strength is that they’re able to dominate possession with the kind of players they have hence it’s not easy to dispose of them,” he said.
