Fighters stun Chiefs

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Monday April 23, 2012 00:00

 

Mogoditshane Fighters staged one of their best performances this season when they stunned be MOBILE Premier League title favourites, Mochudi Centre Chiefs 3-2 yesterday.

It was Chiefs' only second loss of the season. BDF XI is the only other side that has tasted victory against the log leaders. Things looked like they would once again be on Chiefs' side early on when Lesego Galenamotlhale put them 1-0 up in the third minute. The goal sent Magosi supporters at UB Stadium into wild celebrations, but they never looked convincing since then until half time.

Fighters looked organised, especially in the midfield and the defence. Seven minutes after Chiefs' goal, Fighters blew a glorious chance to level matters when Khumbulani Madziba found himself clear at Chiefs' goalposts, but he shot wide.

The search by Fighters for an equaliser continued and Chiefs' central defender, Arnold Chaka made a terrible mistake at the back, but was saved by his goalkeeper, Mompoloki Sephekolo who made a double save to deny Thando Moreki.

A minute later, Fighters were awarded a penalty and Madziba stepped up and slotted past Sephekolo. Three minutes later, Moreki put Fighters in front, dispossessing Chiefs in their own half before comfortably beating Chiefs' goalkeeper. Fighters went into recess leading 2-1.  Ten minutes after the break, Fighters' coach, Oupa Kowa introduced experienced striker, Richard Mwanza for Nonofo Baatweng. Madinda Ndlovu on the other hand took out Galenamotlhale for  Dirang Moloi who made his long awaited return to the local league.

The skillful midfielder has been at the centre of a boardroom wrangle between Chiefs and Notwane. He was recently cleared by the Players Status Committee (PSC) to play for Chiefs. The midfielder made an immediate impact and never showed signs of lack of match fitness. Chiefs started to pile pressure in search of an equaliser and were rewarded in the 84th minute.

Joel Mogorosi received the ball on the far right and lobbied in the far corner, giving Fighters' goalkeeper, Israel Kealeboga no chance. However, Chiefs' celebrations were short-lived when Madziba scored Fighters winning goal three minutes later. The lanky striker found himself one-on-one with Chiefs' defender, Sekhabo Molebatsi.

He turned the defender and slotted past advancing Sephekolo to hand Chiefs their second defeat of the season.

The loss has not done much dent to their title aspirations after BMC and Township Rollers failed to win their games on Saturday.

The line-ups:

Chiefs: Sephekolo, Molebatsi, Mpoeleeng Mpoeleng, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Chaka, Elvis Meleka, Galenamotlhale (Dirang Moloi 71), Mogorosi, Pontsho Moloi, Mara Moloi, Galabgwe Moyana

Fighters: Kealeboga, Innocent Sekhungu, Kabo Ngongorego, Kelebogile Kgannyeng, Tebogo Boitumelo, Ishmael Netty, Ofana Motsumi, Thatayaone Pitso, Moreki, Madziba, Baatweng (Mwaanza 56)Cautions: Netty