Curtains fell on the controversial 2015/2016 season this past weekend with Mochudi Centre Chiefs celebrating their gloriously unlikely Premier League triumph in a fitting manner.
A goalless draw between Jwaneng Galaxy and Chiefs was enough for the Kgatleng outfit to lift the trophy aloft and defend the championship they won in the 2014/2016 season. Following the deduction of ten points from Rollers, ‘Magosi,’ as Chiefs is affectionately known, needed only a point to emerge league champions and the number of Chiefs supporters who went in masses knew what was at stake.
Rollers’ use of Ofentse Nato, who was deemed a defaulter, denied them the league championship as the ten points deducted from the 67 points they had accrued saw them drop from position one to third ahead of their weekend encounter against Orapa United.
It was however not all about Chiefs on the day as Galaxy, who were playing home, controlled the entire match but were only let down by misfiring strikers. Chiefs on the other hand were cautious on attack, knowing well that if they blunder the league will go for playoffs to determine the winner.
Chiefs’ Mike Sithole dismissed claims that his side won the league by default. “The game of football is played by laid down laws and all the teams have to abide by the play rules and regulations. If any team does not follow the rules, it stands to be penalised and you cannot blame any team if it they are crowned champions and Chiefs has not committed any offence,” charged Sithole.
Chief arch rivals Township Rollers finished the on the second spot after beating Mascom Top 8 champions Orapa United two nil.
Chiefs’ crowning moment was also a special and befitting farewell for team skipper Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi who was hanging his boots after playing for Chiefs for a decade. It was the 5th league championship trophy for captain Piro who started his top soccer with Notwane now trading in First Division league.
Still with the league Gilport Lions player, Mathews Nyamadzawo emerged the league top goal scorer after plundering seven goals against the relegated FC Satmos. Prior to the weekend clash between Lions and FC Satmos, Nyamadzawo’s chances of winning the top goal scorer award were remote and dim as he was five goals behind the duo of Chiefs Lemponye Tshireletso and Segolame boy of Township Rollers. Both players had ended their season a day prior having netted 17 goals each. Nyamadzawo however did the unthinkable and defied the odds on Sunday as he scored 7 goals to take his season’s goal tally to 19, as FC Satmos were summarily beaten 9 ÔÇô 1. The seven goals scored by Nyamadzawo was a hot discussion among football followers on Sunday.
Gilport managing director, Kelisitse Gilika was quoted on the premier league website saying his team was playing against a demoralised team. Gilika dismissed the assertion that it was a match fixing saying “The Satmos game was a genuine game. The boys were very determined to win the game, and the game was not that competitive. Our opponents were just too weak on the day,” Gilika said on BPL website.
He was further quoted as saying “We needed the points and goals, but I can’t blame anybody for the goals.” According to Gilika Gilport came to the party and scored goals. “I didn’t see anything to suggest there was match-fixing,” he concluded.
