Injury-hit Chiefs face Motlakase

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Wednesday January 20, 2010 00:00

 

Captain Tshepo 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe and Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko have been ruled out of tonight's game because of injuries while first-choice goalkeeper Barolong 'Toldo' Lemmenyane and midfield maestro Dirang Moloi will be assessed by the medical team to determine if they can play. This is bad news for Chiefs as they seek to close the gap on pacesetters, Township Rollers who are six points ahead although Magosi have a game in hand. Chiefs have 32 points from 14 games and a win would reduce the deficit to three points. In recent years, Magosi have been top contenders for the championship and currently they remain the only unbeaten side in the campaign. After disposing stubborn Police XI 3-1 in Molepolole last Saturday, Chiefs are clear favourites to beat Motlakase tonight.

Despite injuries to key players, Chiefs' coach Wesley Mondo is confident ahead of the match against the rookies. 'We don't rely on individuals because I believe that those available are capable of getting us the necessary points. I'm not worried about them (Motlakase). What is important for us is to come up with a strong team,' he said. Though ravaged by injuries, Chiefs are still capable of fielding a very strong squad. Hard-working utility player Mpoeleng 'Stopper' Mpoeleng, who started on the bench against Police XI is expected to be in the first 11 against a team said to be after his services. Upfront, Zambian striker Musonda Mweuku, who has netted 12 goals this season, may prove a handful to the debutants. Since arriving at Magosi, Mweuku has given opposition defenders a torrid time, scoring in almost every game he has featured in.

Motlakase who were humbled 3-2 by Uniao Flamengo Santos at the weekend, have promised not to let their more fancied opponents dictate terms tonight. Of late, the Palapye-based side has been on a shopping spree for experienced players in a bid to sustain their place in the Premier League. 'We are going to play Chiefs like any other side we have played this season. We have just acquired a number of new players and what we are worried about is to get the right combinations. At the moment, things look promising,' said Motlakase coach Madinda Ndlovu yesterday. Eric Molebatsi, Jomo Bolofete, Tlhalefang Molefe, Tony Selala and Lesego Lubinda are some of the key players at Motlakase.

When they went down to Santos, the rookies were let down by poor goalkeeping and Ndlovu would be hoping for a better show especially against Chiefs who can be ruthless in front of goal. Motlakase are placed 14th with 12 points with two games left before they complete their assignments for the first round. Chiefs and Motlakase take a break from the Premier League this weekend to focus on the Coca-Cola Cup. Motlakase host BDF XI in Palapye while Chiefs will be guests of Second Division side, Queens Happy Hearts in Gaborone in a game many believe might produce an upset.