Mafu blames slump on lack of preparation
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday March 14, 2017 15:22
Chiefs looked formidable at the start of the year as they collected 12 points out of a possible 18 before they succumbed to the Jungle Kings defeat. On Saturday, rookies Black Forest continued their impressive run against the Kgatleng giants as they held them to a 1-all draw in a league game played at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
Lynoth Chikuwa’s 70th minute goal cancelled Absalom Limbondi’s first half strike. That was the Zimbabwean’s eighth goal of the campaign. “This week we had almost 90% of the training schedule. Everyone could tell that our fitness levels were going out fast.
To me a football team has got many facets, and I believe the most important facet is the training. As long as we can sought that out and make sure that the training is done as planned in all the days, we will be better because these people were far fitter than us but we got the draw as we have the talent,” Mafu told journalists after the draw.
The draw leaves Magosi on position eight. However, Mafu remains optimistic that his side can still finish in the top four. “This time we have the players who can win the league, but if one misses training for various reasons that affects our planning.
We need to get near to the top four as possible. If we keep dropping points like this, we would have to look for a top eight finish but that will not be best for Mochudi Centre Chiefs,” he said. On the other hand, ‘Magoleng’ have only lost once to a team in the top eight in a 3-0 defeat to Jwaneng Galaxy in December.
The team has secured draws against Township Rollers, Gaborone United (G and Orapa United. They sit on fifth position with 29 points.
“It is not like that because the teams we have lost against are not small teams. They have been in the league for a long time. Yes, people would perceive them as small because of our position (as compared to theirs). But in terms of experience, they have been there,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rollers maintained their position at the top of the pile after a 1-1 draw against third-placed Orapa United.
At the Serowe Sports Complex, second placed Jwaneng Galaxy reduced Rollers lead to four points after beating Miscellaneous 2-0 while strugglers Nico United moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over bottom placed Green Lovers. Police XI and Security Systems played to a 1-1 draw while Sankoyo Bush Bucks continued their good form with a 2-1 win over visiting Gilport Lions.
In the only game played on Sunday, Zambian striker Jeffery Sekapite got his first goal in GU colours since signing in January as they returned to winning ways with 1-0 win over Extension Gunners at the Lobatse Sports Complex.