Magosi edge VTM to book last 16 spot
Larona Makhaiza | Monday March 13, 2023 16:00
The victory comes just few days after the club parted ways with head coach, Daniel 'Chicco' Nare.
Asked on how the mood was in camp coming into the game, assistant coach who is now the interim head coach, Mopholosi Reaitsanye revealed that it was quite sad to see Nare being fired but they had to move on. “We had to sit down with the boys and they understood. After all we are professionals. Any coach can be fired at any time of the day and these players are professionals.
They know we have a job to do. We have to keep on going to get better results though it was painful to see Nare being fired,” said Reaitsanye. It only took Centre Chiefs five minutes in the game to break the deadlock courtesy of Ishmael Metlhaleng who hit a powerful shot from outside the box to give his side the lead.
Prior to getting the early goal, Chiefs had two consecutive attacks but they were denied by VTM’s defence which was commanded by Rooi Mahumatsa. Thabang Mooketsi nearly rattled VTM’s hopes of coming back into the game as he beautifully cut inside the box to beat his marker, but his effort went narrowly wide. The right-wing side of VTM proved to be the weakest link as Chiefs seized on the opportunity and penetrated more on the side of right back, Bonginkosi Gumede who could not deal with the pace of Magosi's wingers. VTM’s midfield also seemed to be out of its depth as they could not even string three passes without losing the ball.
On the other hand, Chiefs continued probing for a second goal. On the 38th minute Chiefs nearly added to their tally when goalkeeper, Victor Mothakaja failed to clear away the ball because of his poor decision making with Chiefs' striker, Khumoetsile Kufigwa breathing hard on him. Chiefs broke on attack after an exquisite build up on the 45th minute that saw Kufigwa having to face the goalkeeper on a one-on-one situation but his effort wide over the crossbar. VTM had their first clear cut chance on the 57th minute when a delightful cross was put inside the box, which saw substitute Kabelo Thomba rising high to head the ball but his effort went over the bar.
On the 60th minute Mothakaja was called upon to make a brilliant save with Kufigwa coming close to getting his goal once more on the day. Thomba missed another chance on the 72nd minute when he was left unmarked inside the box and his effort once again missed the target giving Magosi the bragging rights.
The teams:
VTM: Victor Mothakaja, Rooi Mahumatsa, Keabetswe Lucas, Kennedy Taukobong, Bonginkosi Gumede, Musa Tamokate, Kesaobaka Ramotshwaedi, Sfiso Myeni (Kabelo Thomba), Gobe Maphane, Bogosi Mfila, Senatla Molefe. Chiefs: Tumisang Selolwane, Kaelo Ntsimane, Tuelo Mpedi, Ontiretse Morotsi, Ishmael Metlhaleng, Julius Montsho, Kesekile Chivese (Tebogelo Malebogo), Kgotlaetsile Gopolang, Kekaetswe Moloi (Tebogelo Malebogo), Thabang Mooketsi, Khumoetsile Kufigwa.
VTM 0 Chiefs 1 (Metlhaleng 5th)