Chiefs Edge Green Lovers
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday October 19, 2015 10:40
A second half goal from substitute, Senatla Molefe, gave Chiefs the three points in a game which was characterised by a number of missed chances. Chiefs made intentions clear when Lemponye Tshireletso made a good run down the left in the 10th minute and delivered a cross, which Kekaetswe ‘Mara’ Moloi failed to connect. In the 25th minute, Mara failed to connect again after the ball fell invitingly in his feet from a re-bound.
With only nine minutes into the second half Tshireletso cut inside and beating two defenders, but his shot was well matched by a superb save from Garetsosane Onkemetse. Chiefs introduced Molefe in the 60th minute for Pontsho Moloi. Molefe and Tshireletso proved a handful for the defence.
In the 77th minute, Tshireletso once again beat Batshani Mafika’s pace to deliver a low cross and Molefe had a rather easier task to tap home for the win. Lovers tried hard to get an equaliser, but their efforts fizzled in the final third. Chiefs’ coach, Mike Sithole said it was important to get a win after a series of draws. “We have been playing well, but we have not been scoring, which is worrisome. It was important for us to win this game,” he said. Sithole added that his team is not balanced at the back due to injuries.
His counterpart, Onthusitse ‘Chips’ Kootswele said he felt that they should have won the game and said that his key players were not into the game. He was, however, happy with his backline.
“Not converting your chances is a nightmare for every coach, but I think today’s positives were on the defence as we lost by a slim margin,” he said.
Chiefs: Mmopoloki Sephekolo, Othusitse Pilane, Tshepo Baipoledi (Thatayaone Ramatlapeng), Kaelo Kgaswane, Mpho Kgaswane, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Tendai Nyumasi, Pontsho Moloi (Senatla Molefe), Lemponye Tshireletso, Dirang Moloi (Onalethata Tshekiso), Kekaetswe Moloi
Lovers: Garetsosane Onkemetse, Ofentse Omphemetse (Tumo Keiketlile), Ignitious Ramasala, Onthusitse Tamapo, Kabo Ikaneng, Batshani Mafika, Kebaabetswe Kediseng, Rentse Keakabetse (Moathodi Ralesotla), Kudakwashe Manuwere, Pako Botshelo, Doctor Radipampiri (Thatayaone Kgamanyane)
Cautions: Keakabetse, Tamapo, Radipampiri
Chiefs: 1 (Molefe 77th)
Lovers: 0