Moloi, Moatlhaping lead Chiefs' onslaught

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday August 30, 2010 00:00

 

Black Peril (0) 1 (Raymond Gumbo 55th)

Mochudi Centre Chiefs supporters had reasons to smile after watching their side make a remarkable start to the new season. After humiliating Uniao Flamengo Santos 4-0 in the opening fixture, Chiefs supporters could not believe their eyes when they watched their side trounce rookies Black Peril 8-1 in a one-sided Be MOBILE Premier League clash at the Molepolole Sports Stadium on Friday night.

After finishing second to Township Rollers the previous season, there is belief among the supporters and those aligned to the club that this is the time for their side to lift the championship. Under the guidance of coach Rahman Gumbo, Chiefs are a completely different side. Their fluid passing game seems to be giving opposition sides a hard time thanks to Gumbo's fresh strategy.

But the pragmatic Zimbabwean tactician told Monitor Sport that his side has a long way to go. 'My players seem to understand the way I want them to play and that's the most important thing.

We're not yet there, but it's promising because the system I want them to play is a bit complicated.

The only problem at the moment, which we need to address, is the fitness of the team, which I feel has to improve. Otherwise we're on the right track as you can see that we're trying different combinations,' he said.

Gumbo paid tribute to strike partners Moatlhaping and Mara Moloi who scored five goals between them on the night. He further applauded the supporters who he said have been fantastic since arriving at the club.

Black Peril coach Machine Nthaga said that though the score might reflect otherwise, his side did not play too badly. He said that mistakes they committed in defence cost them dearly. 'The goalkeeper (Tumiso Mashakola) could have done better but this are some of the things which happen in the game of football. We've to give credit to Chiefs because without doubt they are a quality side,' he said.

Nthaga's decision to start with inexperienced Mashakola, ahead former Rollers' goalkeeper Goitseone Morake, shocked many keen observers.

But the coach said that he could not risk playing Morake because he has groin injury.

The Peril coach was confident that the international break would give him time to prepare well for their upcoming fixture against BDF XI during the September 11-12 weekend.

The game did not end without controversy as assistant referee Tebogo Ramotshwarapula failed to flag for offside leading to Chiefs' second goal.

Moatlhaping appeared to have been in an offside position before his perfect cross to Mara Moloi who headed home.

This is how the two teams lined up: Chiefs: Noah Maposa, Itai Gwandu, James Kachinga, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Stopper Mpoeleng, Elijah Montsho, Pontsho Moloi (Moalosi 62nd), Jabu Pilane, Mara Moloi, Moatlhaping, Moyana (Maikano Maikano 77th). Coach: Rahman Gumbo

Peril: Mashakola, Pako Palai, Amuchilani Mbotho (Oaitse Leeme 27th), Batlhalefi Nakedi, Canny Gaontebale, Onneile Segwai (Thato Pilane 84th), Raymond Gumbo, Bakang Masisi, Benny Michelo, Mamikina Mayunga, Ookeditse Olemetse (Kakanyo Motlhabane 51st). Coach: Machine Nthaga

Man of the Match: Moemedi MoatlhapingCautions: Segwai 22nd, Gwandu 54th, Kachinga 73rd

Referee: Tebogo RamochaAss Referees: Moemedi Monakwana and Tebogo Ramotshwarapula Fourth official: Lekgotla Johannes