Chiefs throw title race wide open

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 2, 2010 00:00

 

Rollers were five points clear of Chiefs going into the crunch encounter but watched agonisingly as their rivals came from 2-0 down to win 3-2, in the process reducing the gap to only two points.

There are still 14 games to play before the end of the season and Chiefs' win sets an interesting race as the home-stretch beckons.

Edwin Olerile and Joel '16V' Mogorosi put the log leaders 2-0 up before the halftime break but Chiefs rallied back through goals from Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko, Dirang Moloi and Oteng 'OT' Moalosi.

Koko was on fire and was largely credited for the demolition of Rollers.
It should be a troubling result to Rollers who almost lost to another giant, Gaborone United (GU) a fortnight ago. The remaining games would test Rollers' character and resolve to win their first title in five years.

The Sunday result opened the title race wide open with third-placed Extension Gunners still in the running. It was Rollers' second loss of the season while Chiefs remain the only unbeaten side. Rollers have 38 points while Chiefs are on 36.

Gunners who like Rollers surrendered a 2-0 lead against relegation haunted BMC on Saturday to draw 2-2 are six points off the pace after 16 games.

Gunners looked like they were going to run away with maximum points but BMC put up a strong fight particularly in the second half to share the spoils. Uniao Flamengo Santos who asked to be excused from the weekend action to prepare for their trip to Mozambique for a CAF Confederations tie remain fourth with 26 points from 15 games.

The best movers were Motlakase Power Dynamos who climbed four places after walloping Boteti Young Fighters 4-1 on Saturday. Motlakase are now 10th with 16 points from 15 games.  Having started the league on a low note, the Premier League rookies have undergone a change of character this year, perhaps as a result of additions made to their squad.

Two of their new signings, Jomo Bolofete and Tony Selala were on target on Saturday. Bolofete scored a brace.

While things seem to be shaping up for Motlakase, it is the opposite for Francistown side, TAFIC.

Their slump has been attributed to the previous administration and whether the new management will be able to uplift the side and possibly avoid relegation remains to be seen.

They are currently lying 15th with just 10 points from 15 games after they drew 0-0 with Notwane on Saturday.

Things are not looking good either for Police XI and Jwaneng Comets who lost to Gaborone United (GU) and ECCO City Greens respectively.