Second round burst hands Magosi title
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday May 5, 2015 11:57
Township Rollers were the team worth mentioning at the time. Mochudi Centre Chiefs were four points behind, but Rollers’ capitulation thereafter, left many baffled.
An unbeaten run stretching 13 matches, coupled with Rollers’ wretched run, saw Magosi reclaim the title. Chiefs were seen as–and ultimately proved- Rollers’ genuine challengers when the league went for the festive season break. Rollers had knitted together a 17 game unbeaten run and were overwhelming favourites to retain the trophy. But, there was the earlier twist. It now appears seasons ago since Chiefs made a blistering start to the current campaign and led the log before Rollers abruptly arrested their seven game unbeaten run. However, the Christmas break came as an unwanted distraction for Rollers who suffered an irreversible dip in form. This cleared Chiefs path to glory with Orapa United spirited challenge nudged towards the finish line.
Orapa United, this season’s surprise package took full advantage of jaded Rollers’ slump to climb above the 2014 champions.
As a result, Rollers look set to finish a disappointing third.
Key to Chiefs win
Winger, Lemponye Tshireletso signed from army side, BDF XI chipped in with vital goals and is in line to win the Green Boot award. His 14 goals have been critical in the title chase.
Captain, Pontsho Moloi also summoned his vast experience to lead the 2008 champions to glory. Coach, Mike Sithole is a proven mentor; having won the title before and his knowledge of the game was key. However, it is Lesego Galenamotlhale’s swashbuckling performances, which proved to be the rock that Chiefs’ success was built upon. An ever-present danger, Galenamotlhale drove the team expertly from midfield and his work rate was second to none.
The diminutive midfielder, ignored at Zebras level, never looked back and is in line to win the player of the season award.
The whole team appeared solid, with Zambian defender, Willboard Mutale growing in stature although there were occasional defensive lapses. The midfield offered the team the cushion needed with the talented Tendai Nyumasi, and Galenamotlhale all immense.
The signing of Onalethata Tshekiso from Rollers meant the champions had a genuine number nine who brought physical presence in the box. Chiefs were not entirely fluid in their movements, but were simply ruthless in front of goal. Their decisive 1-0 victory over Rollers in February turned the title race on its head.
Mid-season transfers
Chiefs resisted the temptations to shuffle their cards much in the January transfer window with the returning Galabgwe Moyana and Phenyo Mongala the only significant additions.
Defying boardroom challenges
Chiefs recorded their first league success since leadership changed hands through privatisation. Property mogul, Saed Jamal took charge with the trusted Ernest Molome still directing operations. However, it was, like at the other clubs, which have preferred this route, never a smooth transition. But that has been confined to the history books as the team prepares to lay its hands on the magnificent trophy come May 9.