The last transfer window was arguably one of the most exciting ones. Although there were behind the scenes skirmishes between club officials, that did not deter some teams from signing the players they wanted the most. One such team is Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
Chiefs went for the strikers so that their coach, Mike Sithole, could challenge for honours this year. Some of the top strikers that migrated to Chiefs were Nicholas Gora and Thato Siska from Tafic and Uniao Flamengo Santos, respectively. Both players are currently out because of injuries. Information reaching Sunday Standard is that they are carrying long term injuries that might keep them out for several months. Gora has not played a single game for the team while Siska only played a little before being sidelined. What many people, especially their supporters, are asking is how their players could be injured just when the league was about to start. Was it a coincidence or Chiefs signed them unaware that they were carrying long term injuries?
Information reaching Sunday Standard Sports is that the two players joined Chiefs carrying the injuries. After last season ended, Chiefs and Rollers fought bitterly for Gora’s services. Rollers reportedly pulled out at the last minute upon learning that Gora was carrying a serious injury. Santos, on the other hand, is also reported to have easily let Siska join Chiefs because they knew about his troubling knee injury. Siska joined Santos from Asia and helped them escape relegation by scoring crucial goals. Many people were surprised when Santos just let him go despite the immense contribution he made to the team.
Chief’s manager, Lebogang Seboni, did not rule out the possibility that the two players joined Chiefs carrying long term injuries. He, however, said the situation boils down to the state of Botswana football. “I can confirm that the two players are carrying long term injuries and I cannot say they joined us injured or not. You know that our football is still at amateur level and there is no thorough medical assessment for the players before signing for teams,” he said.
Seboni, however, added that Centre Chiefs are taking care of the players because their services are still needed. He added that Centre Chiefs would do all they can for the players to regain full fitness. Seboni also stressed that since their intention is to seriously challenge for the league honours, the two players are invaluable. He said fortunately for Chiefs they have enough back up and that is the reason they are still at the top of the table. At the time of going to print, Chiefs were still in second position behind high riding Uniao Flamengo Santos.
Other enterprising strikers at Chiefs are Jerome Ramatlhakwane, Mpho Mabogo and Pontsho Moloi. Since their inception in the 70s, Chiefs are yet to win the league Championships. Last year they came close only to be beaten to the championship medal by Francistown-based side, Ecco City Green. Chiefs started well only to wane along the way and pave the way for Ecco City Green. Chiefs, however, consoled themselves by winning the top goal scorer award that went to industrious striker, Pontsho Moloi, who scored 22 goals.
