'Sukunyetsa' breaks Chiefs' hearts

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday October 25, 2010 00:00

 

Both sides ended the game with 10 men after ECCO's Mooketsi Hlabano and James Kachinga of Chiefs got their marching orders in the second half. The 1-1 draw was a bitter pill for Chiefs' supporters who thought they had won the game. They huddled in groups after the game to agonise over the result. Chiefs took the lead through Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping who scored from the spot in the 57th minute after Pontsho 'Piro' Moloi was brought down inside the box by Hlabano. The defender got his marching orders after a second yellow card.

A delighted Sibanda told Sport Monitor after the game that securing a point away from home is a bonus for them.He said they wanted maximum points but Chiefs are a difficult opposition. ECCO remain second with 23 points after nine outings while Chiefs are fifth with 14 points from the same number of games. With captain Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang and Bonolo Fraiser having a disappointing afternoon, it was Sibanda who gave Chiefs a tough time. His speed and aerial prowess was always a threat.

Chiefs' assistant coach, Zacharia Muzadzi said that their major problem has been scoring goals. He pointed out that they created lots of chances on the day but failed to convert. Muzadzi accused their opponents of unfair play in the build-up to the equalising goal as Chiefs' defender Itayi Gwandu was sprawled on the turf injured when Sibanda struck. 'I'm not trying to find an excuse but that was not fair from ECCO. We are still going to face them and what goes around comes around,' he said. Muzadzi added that they have to rectify their mistakes before meeting BDF XI in Molepolole on Sunday. 'What pains me is that we continue disappointing our supporters who come in large numbers. We need to satisfy these people (supporters) because they're the main stakeholders,' he said.  Chiefs' Tshepiso Kgosiemang had an outstanding game in an unfamiliar holding role. In the absence of Elijah Montsho and Lesego Galenamotlhale, coach Rahman Gumbo gave Kgosiemang a rare start and he did not disappoint.

Team line-ups;

Chiefs: Noah Maposa, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Kachinga, Gwandu, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Kgosiemang, Jabu Pilane, Pontsho Moloi, Kekaetswe Moloi (Oteng Moalosi 68), Moatlhaping, Galabgwe Moyana (Maikano Maikano 77).

ECCO: Chamunorwa Madamombe, Trinity Nko, Hlabano, Keabetswe Jenamiso, Wabo Mungabe, Zeco Makafiri, Sibanda, Mmoloki Kafuko, Bolelang, Bonolo Fraiser (Tlhabologo Gobonetse 80), Nicholas Matlhare (Tseompe Makumbi 62).

Man of the match: Tshepiso Kgosiemang

Cautions: Motlhabankwe 34, Matlhare 38, Hlabano 44, Nko 54, Kachinga 63, Jenamiso 64, Kgosiemang 83

Dismissals: Hlabano 57, Kachinga 83

Referee: Lekgotla Johannes

Ass Referees: Moemedi Monakwana and Oamogetse Godisamang

Fourth official: Dintwa Dintwa

Match rating: 7/10