Chiefs shift focus to Premier League

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday June 19, 2009 00:00

 

The national champions face a difficult time in defending the two titles they won last year. Unlike last season when they were on fire, winning the league unbeaten, Chiefs have suffered four defeats in the current campaign. This has hobbled Magosi's bid to retain the league title and given the more consistent Gaborone United (GU) a chance to set the pace.

Currently, Chiefs with 56 points are second to the Reds who have 59. The pressure is on Chiefs to prove to their supporters that they still have what it takes. This weekend, Magosi have a difficult assignment against the visiting GNT and hope that GU drop points against BMC in Lobatse.

Before they changed focus to the Coke Cup, Chiefs had scored 16 goals in two league games against Boteti Young Fighters and Nico United. After shooting blanks last weekend against ECCO City Greens in the Coca-Cola Cup quarterfinal, Chiefs' coach Beston Chambeshi and his technical team must be worried. There is no doubt that any slip-up might allow the Reds to extend their lead.

Yesterday, Chambeshi told Mmegi Sport that they will be cautious against the Premier League rookies. 'We have to change focus and I have talked to my players to understand the importance of winning the remaining league games. We have to respect each team and not underestimate sides like GNT,' he said. Chambeshi added that his team has been boosted by the full recovery of Oteng Moalosi. The dreadlocked midfielder who has been struggling with injury came on as a late second half substitute against ECCO. He has been a key figure for Magosi this season scoring some important goals.

Tomorrow's fixture is important to both Chiefs who are fighting to retain the title and GNT who want to avoid the chop. GNT's most-experienced defender Barcos Mosimanegape said that they are coming to the south with the sole mission of collecting points. He said that at this stage, they cannot afford to fear any opponent. 'I still have faith that we can avoid the chop. We have been training hard even when we did not have games and while Chiefs are in top form, I can assure you that we will compete against them,' he said. In other games tomorrow, Township Rollers take on Boteti Young Fighters in Molepolole at 7pm while Extension Gunners travel to Francistown to face TAFIC. On Sunday, ECCO host Police XI in Francistown while Naughty Boys and Mogoditshane Fighters will renew their rivalry in Molepolole. Both sides met last weekend in the Coca-Cola Cup and Naughty Boys won 2-1. BDF XI play host to Uniao Flamengo Santos in Lobatse.