Chiefs celebrate despite controversy
Lebogang Baingapi | Monday May 9, 2016 15:07
Chiefs might have to celebrate cautiously as they await the outcome of Township Rollers appeal, which is before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Saturday match was a cold affair in the first half with Senatla Molefhe missing a glorious opportunity in the 30th minute.
A fully packed Galaxy Stadium watched as the first half petered out with the home side, having four chances at goal to Chiefs’ one. The retiring Pontsho Moloi was withdrawn in the 57th minute for Lesego Molemogi in an effort to breathe life into the game.
Chiefs were handed a lifeline when Galaxy goalkeeper, Anthony Gouws was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box and upstepped Lemponye Tshireletso who missed his effort.
The missed penalty saw the game move a gear up and Galaxy removed Thero Setsile for Atisang Batsi. Chiefs responded by pulling out Molefe for Thato Ramatlapeng in the 74th minute.
The tempo of the game dropped much to the disappointment of the full house, but that mattered little as Moloi got the perfect send off.
“I thank everyone for this wonderful journey, the supporters, the coaches especially ‘Dubula. I will continue to contribute to the game, but I cannot reveal my next destination,” Moloi told Monitor Sport.
“It’s been great and interesting. I can’t thank you enough. Words can never explain my emotions right now.
From the bottom of my heart I am greatful to have represented and led this massive football team Mochudi Centre Chiefs to success,” Moloi later posted on his Facebook page.
His coach, Mike Sithole paid tribute to a man who gave his all during a career that took off at Notwane.
“I am happy for the win, but I don’t want to give myself credit for you have seen my struggles. I give credit to Pontsho Moloi for being instrumental to the team and displaying leadership qualities to his fellow players.
He has been nothing but a motivation as a captain and the team will honour him soon,” he said. Sithole could not shed light on his own future after securing another winner’s medal.
Galaxy coach, Philani Mabhena also praised Moloi for his immense contribution to Botswana football.
Galaxy: Anthony Gouws, Moreetsi Mosimanyama, Thabo Leinanyane, Isaac Paeye, Kagiso Molapi, Tebogo Sesome, Olebogeng Malebye, Tebogo Sembowa (Thebe Maiketso), Moris Ruzivo (Kelelo Kgosimore), Thero Setsile (Atisang Batsi), Tshepo Borake
Chiefs: Mmopoloki Sephekolo, Othusitse Pilane, Kaelo Kgaswane, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Thato Kebue, Arnold Mampori, Senatla Molefhe (Thato Ramatlapeng), Tendai Nyumasi, Onalethata Tshekiso, Pontsho Moloi (Lesego Molemogi), Lemponye Tshireletso
Galaxy 0
Chiefs 0