Chiefs settle for Play-off

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday June 6, 2022 16:00

The visitors needed to win their last game with a higher margin of goals or hoped that rivals Holy Ghost dropped points for them to get the automatic promotion to the elite league as the two teams played the last game level on 42 points, but Holy Ghost top on with a superior goal difference. Chiefs were eager to get an early goal but that was not to be as Red Sparks defence held tight. It was a match of contrasting scenarios as the home side also needed a win at all costs to avoid the dreaded axe.

The game's first opportunity came on the 13th minute. Chiefs' forward Malvin Moyo tried to catch the goalkeeper off guard from range with a lobbed shot, but the ball sailed over the cross bar. It was all Chiefs, which created chances, as the home side resorted to a low block and counter attacking tactics. Chiefs’ Oteng Mothibi thought he had opened the goals when his cross-cum- shot hit the bar in the 25th minute. Chiefs nearly scored moments later when their striker, Oarabile Powe capitalised on a defensive blunder but the referee blew for a foul inside the box. Chiefs lacked the killer instinct without their captain and talismanic midfielder Arnold Mampori.

On the other hand Red Sparks with only one shot at goal, were happy to go into recess with the scoreboard still reading 0-0. After the break, the game took time to come to life as both teams appeared cautious. Red Sparks goalkeeper Onalethata Moeletsi was called into action when he spectacularly denied Bokamoso Mbambo from a well-taken free kick. He parried the defender's dipping strike over the bar for a corner. However, his celebrations were cut shot as Chiefs then found the net from the resultant corner kick in the 76th minute when Khumoetsile Kufigwa found space at the near post to head home.

The goal proved to be the match decider as the game ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors. The results mean that Chiefs will now play a two-legged play offs against Eleven Angels for a place in the country's top-flight league. Red Sparks coach, Matshediso Moseki said despite the results, he was happy with what his charges gave on the day. He said they knew losing the game would mean they relegate, so they wanted to deny Chiefs opportunities and hoped to get them on the counter. He said the application was okay, but disappointed with the results. The winning coach Thatayaone Tebele expressed delight that they managed to collect maximum points. He said his team would attain its goal of promotion to premier league. "The play offs are just a delay, but we will get it. We will surely be promoted to BPL," said Tebele.

The teams:

Red Sparks: Moeletsi, Thapelo Modise, Phenyo Magosi, Charles Mabuse, Emmanuel Ramotoroko, Baboloki Tatlhego, Relebanye Selogelo, Thabiso Tebatso, Lucky Odikemmere, Oratile Mhaladi, Amolemo Kwelagobe

Chiefs: Tshenolo Letshelea, Ishmael Metlhaleng, Gomotsang Tselaesele, Bokamoso Mbambo, Donald Rapulane, Maatla Magosha, Malvin Moyo (Donald Moilwe), Alfred Gopolang, Powe (Tlhapelo Tlhase), Kufigwa Emmanuel Thabe

Red Sparks 0 Chiefs 1 (Kufigwa 76th)