Chiefs break 14-year jinx to reach final
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 10, 2026 10:26
Having conquered the domestic league and FA Cup, the Top 8 trophy remains an elusive piece of silverware in Magosi's collection since the competition started in 2012. However, Chiefs are now within touching distance of ending that drought after overcoming a disastrous opening 11 minutes to score three unanswered goals and secure a historic Top 8 final berth. Flamingoes drew first blood in the sixth minute through Kenneth Muguna following a corner kick. The initial header was blocked on the goal line, but Muguna reacted quickest to nod home the rebound.
Although the ball appeared to have been cleared, the referee ruled that it had crossed the line. Five minutes later, Flamingoes doubled their advantage through Tsholofelo Speakson, who curled a precisely struck free kick into the top corner beyond the goalkeeper's reach. At 2-0 down inside 11 minutes, Chiefs were staring at another painful Top 8 exit. However, head coach Reneilwe Letsholonyane responded with a bold tactical intervention, making two first-half substitutions rather than waiting for the interval. Kgosietsile Ernest and Omphile Vissagie replaced Theo Shadikong and Motheo Floyd-Mogapi, respectively, as the former South African international sought to revive his struggling side.
The changes injected fresh energy into Chiefs' attack, with Magosi gradually finding their rhythm. Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Kelvin Ndebele, following an impressive interchange of passes, found space on the wing before delivering a low cross into the penalty area. An unmarked Gilbert Baruti finished to reduce the deficit to 2-1, handing Magosi a lifeline heading into the break.
Although Flamingoes maintained their slender advantage at half-time, the momentum had begun shifting in Chiefs' favour. Six minutes after the restart, Nahael Melgarejo flicked a long ball into Ndebele's path. The latter delivered another dangerous low cross that evaded the goalkeeper, leaving captain Mpho Kgaswane unmarked at the far post to level matters. With the scores tied at 2-2, Chiefs continued pressing for the winner as Flamingoes struggled to contain their resurgent opponents.
The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when Baruti turned provider, delivering a corner that found Benson Mosokobanji, who rose highest to power a towering header into the net. Having surrendered their two-goal advantage, Flamingoes attempted to respond, but Chiefs held firm to complete a memorable turnaround. For Chiefs, the Top 8 has been a holy grail chase, with Magosi repeatedly falling short of the final, including three semi-final exits during the Mascom era. Having finally broken that barrier, they now face four-time consecutive finalists Jwaneng Galaxy in a repeat of last season's Orange FA Cup final, which Chiefs lost.
The showdown offers Magosi a chance for revenge and an opportunity to complete their domestic trophy collection. The Teams Chiefs: Keeagile Kgosipula, Motheo Floyd-Mogapi (Omphile Vissagie), Kgotso Phuti, Benson Mosokobanji, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Theo Shadikong (Kgosietsile Ernest), Kelvin Ndebele (Tefo Mofokeng), Gilbert Baruti, Evans Rusike, Mpho Kgaswane (captain), Nahael Melgarejo Sua: Kenneth Mmoko, Thami Zulu, Simisane Mathumo, Keabetswe Lucas, Ngwako Ramokgathadi, Thapelo Balatlheng (Dirang Kgosiyatama), Segolame Boy (Thatayaone Nkwapa), Tlhalefo Molebatsi (Norman Motswagole), Tsholofelo Speakson, Kenneth Muguna, Laudry Mukaba (Kabelo Babusi)
Chiefs 3 (40th, Kgaswane 51st, Mosokobanji 61st) Sua 2 (Muguna 6th, Speakson 11th)