No need for panic - Mogomotsi

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday January 15, 2010 00:00

The Kgatleng outfit won 3-0 in a game, which saw the only substitute, goalkeeper Gontse Tlhowe being featured as infield player in replacement of Lesego Galenamotlhale in the second half.

Three Zambian players - Given Mpundu, James Kachinga and Musonda Mweuka - missed the Orapa game. Inspirational midfielder Dirang Moloi, Elijah Montsho and Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping also missed the trip to the diamond-mining town, sparking rumours that all might not be well at Chiefs.

On Tuesday evening, all the players except Moatlhaping and Montsho were back in training. In an interview with Mmegi Sport yesterday, Chiefs' spokesperson Clifford Mogomotsi said that there is no need for panic as everything is under control in their camp. 'You must be aware that our foreign-based players arrived a day before our game in Orapa from Zambia where they went for their Christmas break. So there was no way they could have featured in the game as they did not train with the team. As we speak, they're back and will be available for our game against Police XI,' he said. Chiefs continue their search for a second league title in three seasons when they entertain the Jungle Kings in Molepolole tomorrow at 4pm.

Mogomotsi added that despite rumours linking Moatlhaping to log leaders, Township Rollers, he still remains their player as no team has approached them for his services. Moatlhaping has not reported for training since last week and it is said that he might be on his way out of the Chiefs' camp. 'He (Montsho) has been excused for sometime because he's still sorting out some personal problems but we're expecting him back soon.

 As for Dirang, we expected him to leave for China this week but he's still available and has been training with the team. There is a possibility that our game against Police XI might be his last for us this season,' said Mogomotsi.  The Chiefs' spokesperson pleaded with their supporters to remain loyal and ignore all the speculation about the club. He said that coach Wesley Mondo is building a strong squad, which will push for honours this season. 'There are a number of youngsters currently training with the team and we intend to sign them on,' he continued. Chiefs have always been accused of neglecting young players but Mogomotsi said that they plan to change the status squo.
 Mogomotsi is hopeful that by the beginning of next month, Chiefs would have made meaningful progress as far as challenging for the league honours is concerned.

Magosi are currently sitting second on the log with 29 points from 13 games, eight points adrift of Rollers. The Kgatleng giants remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League and how long that would last remains to be seen.

Next weekend, Chiefs will kick-start their Coca-Cola Cup campaign with a tricky fixture against Second Division outfit, Queens Happy Hearts, in Gaborone before meeting Rollers in the second round of be MOBILE Premier League on January 30 in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash.  The last time they met on December 23, both sides kept supporters on the edge of their seats in a game which ended at 2-2.