Chiefs ride storm to smash their way to glory
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday May 8, 2015 12:00
Mental strength
Like any other team in the Premier League, Chiefs were at some point faced with some challenges both on and off the field.
There were reports of instability within the club management, alleged rift between some key players and the coach as well as dropping some crucial points in the first round.
However despite all these, Chiefs managed to come back stronger than ever in the second round. While their opponents stumbled during that stage, they managed to hold onto the lead until they clinched the title last week.
Even the protests and appeals over the use of Pontsho Moloi could not stop Chiefs from achieving their dream. Also on their way to winning the league, Chiefs ensured that they beat all the title contenders in the second round.
They managed to dispense of BDF XI, Township Rollers and recently Orapa United in games where many had expected they would hit a brick wall.
Galenamotlhale’s influence
Midfielder, Lesego Galenamotlhale has shown his capability since his arrival at Magosi several seasons ago. In previous seasons, he was used mainly as an attacking midfielder.
Everything changed following the departure of Elvis Meleka who was Chiefs’ holding midfielder for two seasons.
Coach Mike ‘Dubula-Dubula’ Sithole threw Galenamotlhale into the deep end, in a new defensive role.
There were doubts as to whether he would be able to do perform it well, probably because he is known to be attack-minded.
It did not take long before he proved that he is the right man for the job. He is arguably the reason why Chiefs have been able to play with cohesion in the second round.
He linked the defence and attack very well and gave the team some shape. He is the favourite to walk away with the Player of the Season Award.
Balance
While some of their competitors were excellent in defence and others in attack, Chiefs this season looked balanced in both fronts. They are the highest scoring team so far with 58 goals out of 28 games.
Orapa United, currently occupying the second position on the log, have only managed to score 41 goals, 17 goals less than the champions. They (Chiefs) are also the second best defensively team, behind Orapa United having conceded 24 goals to Orapa’s 23.
Depth
Known for running after big name players every transfer window, Chiefs this season seem to have played their cards well in terms of recruitment. At the end of last season, Chiefs lost midfielder, Elvis Meleka and defenders, Thabiso Khunwane and Arnold Chaka.
They recruited Keabetswe Jenamiso to replace Chaka. Galenamotlhale was shifted to Meleka’s position while youngster, Ayanda Molefe was brought in to increase firepower upfront. Midway through the season, Phenyo Mongala, Kaelo Kgaswane and Galagwe Moyana arrived as well.
This provided balance and depth in Sithole’s squad. At some point, Bonolo Fraizer who was banging in goals, lost form but Onalethata Tshekiso took over.
Kekaetswe Moloi took off where Tshekiso left off in the second round and has been scoring goals alongside exciting winger, Lemponye Tshireletso.
They have also managed to play their cards well in the goalkeeping department. At one point, Raphael Nthwane was the first choice goalkeeper before he lost his place to Mompoloki Sephekolo in the second round.
Consistency
Chiefs have been the most consistent team this season, thanks to their second round performances. They have lost only two games so far and all that happened in the first round against Rollers and Orapa United. In the second round, they are yet to lose a game.
They have registered 10 victories out of a possible 14. On the other hand, Rollers that at some point were favourites to clinch the title, have lost seven games; all of them in the second round. Orapa United have lost five.
Sithole is known for assembling teams who can go for longer periods without losses. He is credited with assembling the Chiefs side that clinched the title in 2007 without a loss although he left before the feat was completed.
Identity
While Rollers are popularly known for their speed in attack and power play, BDF XI for their aggression and solid defending; Chiefs have over the years been known for putting their priority in possession.
Even at the time when they finished the season empty handed, Magosi have never lost their identity.
They changed coaches many times but still played their usual attractive football, which made it easier for their forwards to score goals.
This is probably due to the fact that some of the influential players in the team have clocked close to 10 years in the black and white colours. While many teams chop and change squads every season, Chiefs have managed to do that with caution.
Pontsho Moloi, Jabu Pilane and Kekaetswe Moloi were part of the team that won its first ever league trophy in 2007 and each of them have been with the team for over 10 years.
They have again played critical role this season in helping new players settle in.
What the coach said:
“I think (the) rotation of the players gave us depth. We had a balanced team although we were struggling at the back hence the circle.
“Most of the players who were down in the first round came up in the second round, which was good for us.
“Most of the players who came up in the second round were not in good form in the first round. Some of them were injured.
“If you can see OT (Onalethata Tshekiso), he did well for us in the first round when Mara Moloi was struggling to pick up.
“Tendai (Nyumasi) was also struggling in the first round, but came good in the second round. Lesego (Galenamotlhale) did well for us. He was an attacking midfielder and we made him a defensive midfielder. He was the key player for our team.”