Chiefs Win Pre-season Tourney
Tumelo Mouwane | Monday August 29, 2016 15:08
The Kgatleng giants progressed to the finals after defeating Police IV in the semi-finals, while Gunners beat new league entrants, Security Systems 5-3 on penalties. Chiefs were dominant in the first half with their rivals endlessly chasing shadows.
Their persistence in ball possession mounted pressure on Gunners defence. A combination of Ayanda Molefhe and Thatayaone Ramatlapeng upfront saw the Kgatleng side consistently putting Gunners defence on the back foot. However, Mochudi side had no luck, until the 56th minute when Ramatlapeng dribbled past Gunners’ last men to score the first goal of the match.
Gunners came back in the second half a much better side, and had a good share of possession of the ball. Their performance was rewarded in the 71st minute when they were awarded a penalty after Mogomotsi Mokoka was maliciously tackled in the box. He dusted himself up and slotted the equaliser.
Gunners however could not rise to the occasion as Ramatlapeng sealed the game 2-1 after again dribbling past Mapantsula defence. The Peleng side quest for an equaliser came via a quick counter attack only to be ruled offside.
Extension Gunners head coach, Daniel Nare was fairly impressed with the one day tournament. “I think we could have won the game, we scored two legitimate goals but referees just like us are human beings. After all it was not about the medals. We lost a bunch of players and this is the chance for us to build the team. I am happy with what I saw and I am now certain how my line up would look like even if the league was to start today,” Nare said.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs coach, Bongani Mufo said the platform gave his players a chance to prepare.
“It was a good platform for us to prepare for the coming season. We are not yet at our best, we need more tactical awareness and general physical fitness as some players were getting cramps. We will need to work more,” he said.