Chiefs, Notwane share spoils
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday February 9, 2015 18:00
The result saw Chiefs move to the top of the log standings, leapfrogging Township Rollers who were beaten by BDF XI the previous day.
Notwane who had just parted ways with coach, Calvin Petersen, never looked like they were limping and instead created better chances than their rivals. Chiefs without Lesego Galenamotlhale who was serving suspension looked disjointed in the early stages of the match.
In his absence, Tendai Nyumasi moved into the midfield and David Makakaba returned to the starting line up on the wing.
Notwane on the other hand relied on the skill and speed of their two wingers, Lemogang Maswena and Langa Mabuli. Maswena in particular was a constant threat throughout the game, giving Ontse Ntesa a hard time on the wing.
It took only 10 minutes for Chiefs to break ice through Nyumasi. Notwane’s defence failed to make a decisive clearance at the back and Nyumasi capitalised with a beautiful strike from a distance.
The goal did not deter Notwane who looked dangerous when moving forward through the wings. Maswena equalised in the 20th minute with a simple header, also capitalising on a defensive lapse.
Chiefs were dealt a blow when striker, Onalethata Tshekiso could not continue with the game because of a hamstring injury forcing Mike Sithole and his technical team to change their plan. Bonolo Fraizer replaced him in the 30th minute. Notwane continued to attack and Maswena could have given Notwane the lead few minutes later but his shot went wide.
They finally took their deserved lead in the 45th minute through new signing, Zebron Njobvu.
After the halftime break, Chiefs pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but found Notwane’s defece led by Kgomari Mothuba difficult to break.
They managed to level matters in the 78th minute from a spot kick. Notwane defender, Kereng Mpetang handled the ball inside the box and the referee awarded Chiefs a penalty. Lemponye Tshireletso stepped up and converted. He is now the leading goal scorer in the league with 11 goals.
The line-ups:
Chiefs: Mompoloki Sephekolo, Othusitse Pilane, Ntesa, Keabetswe Jenamiso, Wilbroad Mutale, Ocean Mpofu, Makakaba (Galagwe Moyana), Pontsho Moloi, Tshekiso (Fraizer), Nyumasi, Tshireletso.
Notwane: Itumeleng Selapa, Mpetang, Kabelo, Kgomari Mothuba, Lewis Sekwainyana, Amos Godirwang, Kgaodi Odirile, Mabuli (Thabo Mbole), Sithembiso Mbuqe, Njobvu, Maswena