Chiefs Complete Historic Treble

By Tshepo Molwane
Staff Writer | Monday September 1, 2008 00:00

 

By thrashing Santos, Magosi completed a treble after winning the Premier League and Kabelano Charity Cup for the first time. After coming under heavy criticism for the poor display against Naughty Boys in the semi-final, Magosi responded with a better performance in the final to grab the P120,000 cheque.

The return of inspirational captain Pontsho Moloi changed things for Chiefs as he put up a solid performance. Moloi created goals and scored a brace, which ensured that Magosi won the cup for the first time. It did not come as a surprise when he was chosen man of the match.

On Saturday, Santos started the game positively and showed little respect for their more fancied opponents. They attacked Chiefs from all angles with young sensation Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele and Kgosietsile 'Parker' Mampori leading the onslaught. It did not come as a surprise when Ngele capitalised on Chiefs' sloppy defending to beat goalkeeper Noah Maposa for the opener. Ngele completed his brace late in injury time when he tapped home from close range to finish the tournament as top scorer with six goals.

The youngster who has just been promoted from the development side, Flamengo Desportos, showed some silky touches and had Chiefs' defence in sixes and sevens whenever he was in possession.

In the 30th minute, Santos' goalkeeper Bokhutso Magowe produced a beautiful save from Tshepo 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe's strike on the edge of the box. At this stage, Santos seemed to have done their assignment as they matched their opponents. But the substitution of Mampori due to an injury cost the Gabane side as his replacement Nicholas Gora did not have any impact in the game. At the break, Santos were leading 1-0 and seemed to be headed for breaking Chiefs' unbeaten run.

But things changed completely in the second half as Chiefs launched waves of attack. New recruit Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping levelled matters in the 47th minute when he tapped home from a rebound after Magowe failed to handle Moloi's shot. Santos' veteran defender Khumo 'Shoes' Motlhabane deserves the blame for sloppy defending and allowing Chiefs to get back into the game. The goal gave Chiefs' players confidence and they pushed forward with ease.Motlhabankwe put Magosi ahead in the 62nd minute when he beat Santos' goalkeeper with a grass-cutter from the edge of the box. The goal came after Chiefs were awarded a free-kick from which Moloi laid a perfect pass for Motlhabankwe to bury.

Defender Pius Kologano of Santos missed a sitter from Motlhabane's free-kick. Chiefs went 3-2 up when Moloi scored a beautiful free-kick from outside the area. He completed his brace three minutes later with an easy tap-in from Jabu Pilane's pass. Ngele reduced the deficit on the stroke of fulltime but Chiefs responded with another goal through Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo. The burly striker benefited from a rebound after substitute Derrick Ntumbayi's cracker came off the crossbar.

This is how the teams lined-up;

Chiefs: Maposa, Motlhabankwe, James Kachinga, Given Mpundu, Michael Mogaladi, Elijah Phiriepa (Sekhana Koko), Oteng Moalosi (Tshepiso Kgosiemang), Pilane, Mabogo, Moatlhaping (Ntumbayi), Moloi.

Santos: Magowe, Donald Lopang, Oabile Tlhajwane, Kolagano, Motlhabane, Patrick Mathaba, Joel Olerile (Godfrey Ngele), Ronald Sibanda, Mampori (Gora), Vincent Phiri, Mogakolodi Ngele.

Cautions: Kolagano, Motlhabane, Kachinga.

Referee: Israel Malepa

Assistant referees: Moletlanyi Keoagile and Simon Jackson