Chiefs Thrash Happy Hearts

By Chippa Legodimo
Correspondent | Monday January 25, 2010 00:00

Magosi opened the scoring through Kekaetswe 'Mara' Moloi seven minutes into the second half before catching their inexperienced opponents on a quick counter in the 64th minute, forcing defender Happy Mphengula to concede an own goal.

The Division Two side put up a brave fight after conceding the first goal but cracked after the own goal, giving the likes of Oteng Moalosi and Dirang Moloi a lot of space in midfield. This put the defenders under a lot of pressure.

Othusitse 'Jabu' Pilane caught the Bontleng side on the counter once again in the 71st minute, easily tapping past Khumoyame Keitumile in Happy Hearts' goal.

Chiefs' supporters stood uncomfortably along the fence surrounding the ground in the first half as the minnows threatened to take the lead. More worrying was their ability to quickly close down the star-studded Chiefs' team though they often ran out of ideas once in possession. Magosi should have gone up in the 13th minute but Mara Moloi and Musonda Mweuka turned and twisted inside the opponents' box instead of shooting.

Mweuka had a couple of chances which he failed to utilise until he was replaced later in the second half.

Chiefs were awarded a free kick minutes before the break and Moalosi on target but Keitumile handled comfortably. Former Chiefs' defender, Noah 'Stooge' Kareng playing in midfield seemed to enjoy a good run against Moalosi and Dirang Moloi in the first half.

However, Sikane Zulu and Thato Ramatebele were too slow upfront to shake the uncompromising defence of Michael Mogaladi, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, James Kachinga and Given Mpundu.

While the Chiefs' defence stood firm right from the start, the midfield and the strike force was below par, hence no goals were scored in the first half. Shortly after the break, rain started and the minnows seemed to struggle under the heavy down poor and it was no surprise when they conceded the first goal. The entry of Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping for Mweuka seemed to create problems for the Happy Hearts' defence. His sleek touches easily opened the defence.

Although they played well in the second half, Chiefs need to up their game as the competition progresses.