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Friday, 30 July 2010   |   Issue: Vol.26 No.62  |  Friday, 24 April 2009
Sport
Crunch time for Magosi

Defending champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs have a rare chance of going top of the be MOBILE Premier League when they meet Notwane in what promises to be a thriller at the Molepolole Sports Stadium tomorrow.


 
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With log leaders Gaborone United (GU) not playing this weekend, Chiefs will lead the standings if they overcome Toronto. Magosi are second with 47 points, two behind the Reds. Notwane who started the season on a low have 26 points and sit at ninth spot.

They seem to have recovered after a three match unbeaten run where they collected seven out of nine points. This might not be good for Chiefs' title hopes as their dreams might suffer a severe blow this weekend if they fail to win. Magosi will have to show character and prove that they are ready to defend their first ever title.

In tomorrow's game, history does not favour Notwane as their last league victory over Chiefs dates back to 2005. Since then, they have struggled against Magosi who have improved immensely. Toronto's recent victory against Chiefs was during the annual Kabelano Charity Cup in 2007. This season Magosi beat Notwane 2-1 in a dramatic league clash at the UB Stadium in Gaborone.

In their last game last Friday, Chiefs hammered Mogoditshane Fighters 3-0 in Molepolole, while Toronto are fresh from a 1-0 win over BMC on Wednesday night. In recent games, Magosi have shown some weaknesses in defence and if they meet a composed team, they might be exposed. Otherwise Chiefs have perhaps the best midfield and striking force in the league this season. Anyone can score at Chiefs though most of the goals have come from strikers Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo, Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping and Pontsho 'Piro' Moloi.

Chiefs and Notwane have not been in good terms in recent weeks following the transfer of Toronto's talented midfielder Dirang Moloi to Magosi. There is no doubt about Dirang's talent but whether he will be able to handle the pressure of playing against his former team remains to be seen. There is no doubt that some Notwane supporters might want to make life difficult for him with boos throughout the match.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Notwane captain Mpoeleng 'Stopper' Mpoeleng said that they will take Magosi like any other opponent. "But I am expecting fireworks as we both need points in this game. They (Chiefs) want to win so that they can still be in the race for the title. At the same time, we want to get out of the bottom (of the log)," he said. Mpoeleng pointed out that while they are trying their best to get points, they are disappointed by their supporters who are not coming to games.

Notwane coach Paul Moyo said playing Chiefs will motivate his players because Magosi is a better side. He pointed out that Chiefs have been on the rise in the last three years hence Toronto are the underdogs. The only worry for Moyo is that his players might be fatigued since they have to play three games in seven days. "I am happy that Barnes (Radipotsane) and Jackie (Mothatego) have improved their fitness level and I hope they will contribute a lot," he said. Tshepiso 'Sox' Molwantwa, Botshelo Mogotsi, Moreetsi Mosimanyana and goalkeeper Botlhe Moralo carry the hopes of Notwane supporters.

Pontsho who has developed a habit of scoring against his former team since signing for Chiefs, said that they are focused on collecting maximum points. He said they have been hard at training and the morale in the camp is high. Pontsho said that that it will be important for their supporters to rally behind them because they are important to the players and the club. "The happiness of our supporters is our first priority and we always ensure that we do not disappoint them," he said. With Dirang facing Notwane for the first time, Pontsho said he has not noticed any pressure on his younger brother. "He has been himself, maybe he will change on Friday," Pontsho said with laughter.

Chiefs' coach Beston Chambeshi told Mmegi Sport that they cannot afford to drop points at this stage. The Zambian added that since Notwane have improved a lot, they will have to be cautious. "All my players are available except (James) Kachinga whom we will assess before the game," he said. Kick off is at 3.30pm.

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