Chiefs� miserable form continues
Lebogang Baingapi | Friday December 9, 2016 14:46
The Kgatleng giants are on 14th position, a relegation spot, after yet another league defeat on Wednesday evening at the hands of Jwaneng Galaxy.
Magosi went down 2-1 to their former employee Mike Sithole at the Galaxy Stadium, representing their worst start to the season in recent years.
Magosi’s troubles started in the off-season when their former investor Sayeed Jamali cut ties with the team. The move profoundly contributed to the club losing their goal poachers, Lemponye Tshireletso and Tendai Nyumasi who joined league rivals Township Rollers and Orapa United respectively.
The duo managed to bang 28 goals, making them the deadliest attacking partnership last season. In an attempt to fill the void left by the two players, Chiefs tried to sign former Zebras striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana, but the deal fell through, as the paperwork could not be finalised on time. The team had to rely on misfiring Stanley Ngala, with the striker only managing a single goal in nine league appearances.
Chiefs went on to lose its technical bench, with Sithole and deputy Michael Mogaladi finding greener pastures at the mining town of Jwaneng. The team went on to hire an unpopular face, Bongani Mafu, a primary school teacher, who despite mouthwatering coaching badges, was fired at Zimbabwean giants Highlanders midway through the season. He later landed a job at Tshotsho FC in the Zimbabwean football second tier league as an assistant coach where Magosi poached him.
Under the tutelage of Mafu, Chiefs have only managed two wins over Mahalapye Hotspurs and Township Rollers, a win that the coach termed as ‘poisoned chalice’. Mafu lashed out on his employers saying they did not give him and the rest of his technical bench the necessary support.
The 51-year-old had claimed that he is not the weak link at Chiefs inadvertently pointing the blame finger at the club’s set up. Mafu would be banking on the last two games before the Christmas break to redeem himself.
Against Galaxy, they scored first through midfielder, Dirang Moloi who was later dismissed by the match official, leaving Chiefs with 10 men for the better part of the match. Before being shown marching orders, Galaxy had equalised through exciting midfielder, Lesego Lubinda whose effort saw the two sides tied at 1-1 at half time. Lubinda completed his brace in the second half and handed Galaxy maximum points.
It was Galaxy’s second victory over Chiefs this season. Mafu, who this week expressed his frustration over lack of support from the club management, on Wednesday said he was happy with his charges’ efforts.
“We were unlucky but moving forward we will strategise and see what to do. We have two games remaining before end of December and we hope to win both,” Mafu said.
Magosi’s next assignment is against the highflying Black Forest, who are yet to lose a game, on Monday evening at the National Stadium.
Log leaders Orapa United would seek to maintain their top position when they visit resilient BDF XI.
In their last games, both teams drew with Sankoyo Bush Bucks and Nico United respectively. Galaxy who has since moved into fifth spot welcome Miscellaneous on Saturday, while Green Lovers would battle it out with fellow strugglers Nico United at the Serowe Sports Complex. Security Systems who have dropped to ninth position after a draw with Black Forest would play Police XI.
Rejuvenated Gaborone United take on Gunners at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. GU have recently found their form and will be inspired by the 2-0 win over Miscellaneous on Tuesday, which moved them to fourth spot. Rollers play Hotspurs while Gilport Lions and Sankoyo Bush Bucks would battle it out for the valuable three points.