ECCO warn buoyant Chiefs

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 26, 2010 00:00

 

The game is the pick of the weekend considering the drama which always accompany the fixture on and off the field. Since their promotion to the elite league a few years ago, ECCO have always proven to be tricky opponents for Magosi. After their 1-1 draw in the first round tie, it is expected that both sides will go for broke on Sunday.Magosi are unbeaten in 18 league games. But can Mamoja-Diskie halt the run?

ECCO head coach Max Moyo has promised that they will dish out entertaining football on Sunday. 'We've covered every aspect which we need to. There is nothing special about this fixture because Chiefs are in the Premier League like any other side. We played to a draw here (Francistown) and we're coming there (Molepolole) for maximum points.

''Chiefs are a good side like the media are saying but we are prepared for them,' commented Moyo. ECCO will be without midfielder Master Masiku who is serving suspension. But Moyo has enough arsenal to cause pain to Magosi. In their last game, ECCO drew 1-1 draw away to Jwaneng Comets and Moyo said he is expecting an improved performance. Bonolo Fraizer, captain Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang and Mandlaenkosi 'Sukunyetsa' Sibanda are some of the players who are expected to trouble Chiefs. Though they have not performed to expectations, ECCO are sitting fifth on the log with 29 points from 16 games.

Chiefs are aware that any slump would give their title rivals, Township Rollers, a chance to increase the gap.

Chiefs are lying second on the log with 42 points, two adrift of Rollers from 18 games. Games against ECCO have at times ended in heartbreak for Chiefs. But they can take solace from the fact that they have not lost to Mamoja-Diskie in their last four meetings.

Chiefs' spokesperson Clifford Mogomotsi said it is not easy to maintain an unbeaten record for long. He is aware of the challenge that the remaining 12 fixtures pose. He said that their games against ECCO no longer creates excitement.

'Our plan is to maintain consistency and I'm confident that the coach will keep the players in the right frame.

ECCO are a strong side and we know what to expect from them having played the same players in the last couple of seasons,' he said. Speedy forward Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko has been in an unbelievable form for Chiefs and remains a potent threat.

Mogomotsi pleaded with supporters to attend the game in numbers as goalkeeper Noah Maposa and Pontsho Moloi might make their return after loan spells in South Africa. Kick off is 3.30pm.