A weekend billed as a make or break for joint log leaders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Gaborone United, served up some colourful football. The sides faced difficult opposition in their be-Mobile Premier League assignments but both emerged unscathed.
At 17 points, Chiefs remain at the top of the table, edging out second-placed GU on goal difference. With the two sides in a seemingly uncompromising mood, this season promises to be another roller coaster for football lovers.
The weekend’s adrenaline kicked off in Lobatse on Saturday where GU dislodged Magosi from the top of the table by narrowly beating a resilient Extension Gunners 1-0. A goal from exciting youngster, Obonwe Maome, in the last 10 minutes of the game sealed the victory for the Reds.
Watched by Vice-President Ponatshego Kedikilwe, both sides tried hard to impress but were let down by poor finishing. As for the Reds, it was not a performance which was expected by many following a top-notch show against Chiefs in midweek. Under the tutelage of David Bright, things seem to have changed for the better.
Though they laboured to a 1-0 win, GU supporters left the new Lobatse Stadium satisfied that their side managed to keep their closest rivals under pressure.
“I feel that we could have introduced fresh legs (today) after playing high-intensity games against Chiefs. The performance is not what we expected but I’m glad that we managed to come away with maximum points,” said Coach David Bright.
He added that he is worried at the way his side misses chances and it is something they will have to work on in training.
“It’s natural for players to lack composure and it’s happening worldwide. The other thing is that in the coming games, I’ll have to introduce the likes of (Sageby) Sandaka, (Tebogo) Sebina and Steve (Maposa) because I believe they’re ready to come to the party,” added Bright.
On Sunday, Chiefs had an uphill battle against their bogey side at SSKB Stadium. In recent times, Chiefs have struggled against the Francistown side and many expected Magosi to stumble. The return of midfield maestro Dirang Moloi added some flavour to Chiefs’ play.
In the absence of ECCO’s hardman, Zecco Makafiri, due to family commitments, ECCO struggled to contain the young Chiefs’ talisman. At the break, Chiefs were leading 1-0 thanks to Lesego Galenamotlhale’s goal. In the second half, Kekaetswe Moloi and Galabgwe Moyana ensured that Chiefs return to the top with some well-taken goals. It is a game in which Chiefs missed a number of chances.
Chiefs’ head coach, Madinda Ndlovu, summed up their performance, saying: “We did not play well but the good thing is that we grabbed full points. I think having played lots of games in a short space took a toll on my players.┬á What is worrying me is that we continue missing chances during games.”
The other issue, which is of great concern to the Zimbabwean gaffer, is the rate of suspensions affecting his team. While Mpoeleng Mpoeleng has returned to the squad after a two-match ban, Michael Mogaladi will sit out the next game due to two consecutive bookings.
