Fearless Gunners eye Chiefs� scalp
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday April 4, 2014 14:57
Though Chiefs have won their last four games, Gunners’ assistant coach, Thabo Motang has said they do not fear them. “It is not by fluke that they are where they are currently. They are a strong team and they deserve that respect. But one thing I can tell you is that we do not fear them,” Motang told Mmegi Sport. He admitted that it is going to be a difficult game. Gunners had a good run before they were shocked by Orapa United but they bounced back last weekend by upsetting fancied BDF XI.
“It is worrying that we have not been as consistent as we would have loved to be and we need to rectify that,” Motang said.
The match is a face-off between two coaches who replaced each other in their current jobs in a direct switch in the middle of the second round. When current Gunners’ coach, Dragojlo Stanojlovic was sacked by Chiefs after a string of poor results, he was immediately replaced by Mike Sithole from Gunners. In an interesting turn of events, Stanojlovic succeeded Sithole at Gunners. Since his arrival, Sithole has turned Chiefs into title favourites again.
This weekend, Chiefs’ defence, which conceded three goals in the last two matches, will have to be at its best against Gunners striker, Pako Modikwa. The goal poacher has proved that when given a chance, he can be deadly. Monageng Thaele is another player who Chiefs’ must watch closely. A victory for Gunners would improve their chances of finishing in the top eight.
Chiefs on the other hand know that any slip-up will have a major bearing on their title ambitions. Not too long ago, they were ruled out of the title race but they have since revived their hopes. “This is the story of our lives. It is true many people had ruled us out and here we are, back in contention,” Chiefs’ captain, Pontsho Moloi told Mmegi Sport. He said it is evident that they were ruled out of contention as even the nominees list for the Player of the Season contains only one player from the defending champions. Chiefs go into tomorrow’s match holding the second position on the log, just one point behind log leaders, Township Rollers.
“It shows character from our side. We have always believed that we can come back. The arrival of new technical committee has also changed things for the better,” Moloi added. Sithole arrived together with Jalal Zaidi as his assistant. The two worked together at Chiefs before. “They found the core of the team which they left and they did not have to do much. All they did was to change the mindset of the players,” he said. Moloi said Gunners have always given them a run for their money and therefore expects tomorrow’s clash to be tough. Moloi is expected to play a pivotal role against Gunners. He will come against a stubborn defence marshalled by Musa Ohilwe.
In other matches scheduled for tomorrow, Township Rollers face Police XI at the New Lobatse Stadium. It is not yet clear whether Police XI coaches, Sthando Mogwadi and Maitumelo Letlaamoreng will be on the bench. The two missed the last match against Gaborone United (GU) because of suspension by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) for misconduct. They were due to appear before the disciplinary committee yesterday to answer charges. Police XI have now lost their last three matches. Rollers cannot afford to lose another game after dropping two points against BMC last Saturday.
BDF XI seek redemption when they take on struggling Miscellaneous at SSKB Stadium while GU will be away to TAFIC in Francistown. Orapa United host FC Satmos at Itekeng Stadium. Notwane have a tricky away encounter against Motlakase who have lost their last two games against Rollers and Nico United. Notwane will be without their head coach, Innocent Morapedi who has traveled to Malawi with the national Under-20 team. Uniao Flamengo Santos take on ECCO City Greens at Molepolole Sports Complex. On Sunday, BMC host Nico in Lobatse.