Chiefs' title ambitions back on track

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

The win came as a big boost for Chiefs who were playing minus head coach Rahman Gumbo who was given his marching orders in a shock 1-0 loss to TAFIC last weekend.

The coach could not stop celebrating after the win because pressure has been mounting on him after his charges blew hot and cold.  Gumbo has a mammoth task of keeping up with early pacesetters Township Rollers and ECCO City Greens who are yet to lose a match this season. On another front, Chiefs' fans expect him to deliver silverware after two seasons of drought. 

The Saturday win took Chiefs back to position four on equal points with Extension Gunners who beat Gaborone United 2-1 on Independence Day. Meanwhile, Motlakase coach, Stanley Mwaanga, is worried after watching his struggling side go down 3-0 to Chiefs.  The well-travelled tactician admitted in a post-match interview that they have found the going tough in the second season in the top flight. The minnows are yet to win a match and languish at the bottom of the log with a measly one point. Mwaanga is however quick to point out that he still hopes that his charges will turn the tide soon and move away from the relegation zone.

'I am still trying to build a new team with these youngsters, today they played very well and were just unfortunate to concede those two goals because of a concentration lapse when we were desperately fighting for an equaliser,' Mwaanga said.

The Palapye outfit started the Saturday game on the back foot giving Chiefs plenty of space in the midfield. This allowed the Kgatleng side to orchestrate multiple attacks. Chiefs squandered many chances in the first half as on form striker Moemedi Moatlhaping seemed to have run out of luck on the day.

The first goal came through evergreen midfielder Lesego Galenamotlhale following a goal-mouth melee.Motlakase came from the break rejuvenated and took control of the game at the beginning of the second half.

Mwanga pulled industrious striker Lesego Lubinda back to the midfield where he brought the stability that was lacking in the opening half. The youngster did well wining possession and spreading passes to his teammates but the visitors remained unproductive in front of goal.

The Chiefs' bench led by assistant coach, Innocent Morapedi, started sensing danger as Motlakase was all over them. Skilful winger, Pontsho Moloi was substituted for Othusitse 'Jabu' Pilane to bring fresh legs in attack.

Chiefs had to wait until the 86th minute for the second goal when Oteng Moalosi beat Motlakase offside trap to slot home. The goal dampened Motlakase's hopes of sharing the spoils and Pilane finished them off with a cracker from outside the box a minute before regulation time. 

Team line-ups;Chiefs-Noah Maposa, Itayi Gwandu, James Kachinga, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Elijah Montsho, Oteng Moalosi, Pontsho Moloi (Othusitse Pilane 65), Maikano Maikano (Galabgwe Moyana 60), Lesego Galenamotlhale, Moemedi Moatlhaping (Kekaetswe Moloi 84).

Dynamos-Olebile Elias, Oaitse Joseph, Gosegonna Molapisi , Owen Baruti, Marshall Gono (Jomo Bolofete 49), Tony Selala, Lesego Lubinda, Cosmos Sebona (Tlhalefang Molefe 49), Saukani Zulu, Thatayotlhe  Gaokgorwe (Lesego Moiphemedi  74), Leutlwetse Tshireletso.

Man Of The Match: Lesego Lubinda

Cautions: Baruti 20, Motlhabankwe 23, Selala 36, Kachinga 51, Bolofete 78

Referee: Kebafilwe Ratshipo

Assistant Referees: Moemedi Monakwana and Bakwena Semankaleng

Fourth Official: Onalenna Rapoo

Match rating: 6/10