Mochudi Centre Chiefs face an uphill battle when they take on fast-improving Nico United in the return leg of Mascom Top 8 Cup quarterfinal at the Molepolole Sports Complex tomorrow night.
Chiefs come into the clash trailing 3-0 from the first leg which was played in Selebi-Phikwe last Sunday. Despite the odds stuck against Magosi, publicity officer Clifford Mogomotsi believes his side can rise from the dead and proceed to the semi-finals. “I’m aware that many people have written us out. We’ve done it before in the same competition when we were playing Mogoditshane Fighters and I see no reason why we cannot repeat the feat. All we need to do is to be at our best and convert the chances we create in the game,” said Mogomotsi on Friday afternoon.
In the first leg, Chiefs were killed by midfielder Richard Legwaila who grabbed a hat-trick for his side in the last 10 minutes of the game. “We’re aware of our weakness and we’re working hard on improving them. In the first leg we were dealt a blow by the absence of some players who were on injuries. We’re confident that they’ll be available for the return leg. I think we posted an improved performance when we played BMC (in the League match which ended 1-1 on Wednesday night) and we can take a lot of positives going into the game against Nico,” said Mogomotsi.
He pleaded with their supporters to attend the game in large numbers in order to motivate their troops. Since the competition was incepted three seasons back, Chiefs have struggled to make an impression. While Mogomotsi still maintains that they can break the duck this season, it seems like a mission impossible. Bonolo Fraizer, captain Pontsho Moloi and Lemponye Tshireletso carry the hopes of hordes of Magosi fans tomorrow. While Magosi look stronger while going forward, it is in defense where they have been found wanting. Nico United coach Kenneth Mogae said that in the return leg they are not going to change anything.
While many have predicted that Majombolo would ‘park a bus’ in the return leg, Mogae said they will go all out to attack Chiefs. “There is no doubt that they’re a good side but we’re not going to change our approach,” said Mogae. Once again, Legwaila will be the man to watch in the middle of the pack aided by slippery Gift Moyo, Khumoetsile Kufigwa and Malvin Moyo. Kick off is at 7pm.
Meanwhile, Township Rollers welcome Motlakase in the return leg at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, kick off is set for 8.30pm. Mapalastina go into the game enjoying a 3-1 lead from the first leg which was played in Serowe on October 31. Rollers are looking to improve on last year’s performance after they were beaten in the final by BDF XI.
