Chiefs won the match through first half goals from Othusitse ‘Jabu’ Pilane and prodigal son, Molatlhegi ‘Teenage’ Podile. Before the match, there were some doubts as to whether Maposa would live up to expectations against a side of BMC’s quality.
The custodian was standing in for trusted first-choice goalkeeper and his younger brother, Noah. Though he made a stunning save in the opening half to deny BMC skipper Michael Mogaladi, it was in the second half that Joseph stood head and shoulders high to ensure that Magosi clinched maximum points. In the 50th minute, he tipped Mosimanegape Ramohibidu’s header over the bar for a corner. From the resultant corner, the Chiefs’ goalkeeper did well to parry Kgakgamatso Pharo’s shot after Chiefs’ defenders failed to clear.
BMC continued to pile pressure and in the 85th minute, Joseph made another stunning save to deny Ezinkomo striker, Joel Mogorosi. The goalkeeper came to the rescue after substitute Noah ‘Stooge’ Kareng was dispossessed by BMC players. After the game, delighted Chiefs’ supporters sung praises of the goalkeeper, whose performance impressed even rival fans.
The Chiefs’ goalkeeper is well known for his wayward behaviour, which has contributed in his loss of form over the years. In 1997 while doing duty for the national Under 17 team, he was tipped to become a star in the senior national team. That never happened as he disappeared from the scene though at times he was called for the junior national team camps. Chiefs got tired of his behaviour and loaned him to Gaborone United. He did not last long and he returned ‘home’ where his mixed fortunes continued.
During the off-season, it was reported that Chiefs thought of loaning him out but the management had a change of heart. After Sunday’s sterling performance, many are hopeful that he will stay on course but some say that soon, he will fade just like his other brothers, Stephen and Samuel who were promising earlier in their careers.
In an interview with Mmegi Sport, Joseph said he put up such a splendid performance because of hard work. “I’m working hard at improving my skills during training sessions because my form has hit a slump for sometime and I want to go back to my best.” He is aware that some people doubt his potential but he said he wanted to send a message to them through his star performance on Sunday. He said he has been encouraged by his coach, Beston Chambeshi to work harder.
“He has confidence in me and I really don’t want to let him down. Before our game against BMC, the coach told me that I’m capable of winning the game for the team and that helped to boost my confidence throughout the 90 minutes,” said Joseph.
He asserted that the presence of his younger brother, Noah and former Township Rollers and Nico United goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane has helped a lot. “They’re exceptional goalkeepers and they keep me on my toes. It is really good for the team to have such quality because it will bring the results,” he said.
Joseph lamented that the only problem that might hamper his dream of reviving his career this season is the wrist injury that has been troubling him for the last eight years. “Every time when I think I’ve recovered, the injury comes and keeps me out of the game. Even against BMC, I could have asked to be substituted because I could feel the pain but I decided to soldier on and finish the game.”
The goalkeeper said that people should not think that he is troublesome. “I like football and always want to play but the problem is that this injury is killing me. I would like to keep the name of Maposa alive in the game but that cannot be possible if this injury continues,” he said.
Chiefs’ coach, Chambeshi was happy with Joseph’s performance against BMC, a team which went into the match as favourites. “At least these goalkeepers are showing seriousness and this is good news for the team. I’ve made a programme for the goalkeepers and I’m sure that if he (Joseph) maintains the same attitude, he will excel,” said Chambeshi. The Chiefs coach told Mmegi Sport that having three quality goalkeepers helps the team. “Goalkeepers are important in the modern game because they can win matches for the team,” he asserted.
BMC coach, Daniel Nare sang praises about Joseph saying that he denied BMC clear-cut chances. “He was brilliant on the day and saved Chiefs in some situations,” he said.
