GU, Chiefs close Coke Cup chapter

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Friday August 3, 2012 00:00

 

 Whoever lifts the trophy will keep it for good as the sponsor Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) ends its funding for the competition, which is equivalent to the English FA Cup. The country's only premier knockout competition has been running uninterrupted since 1992 until last year when KBL announced they would focus on grassroots development.

While Chiefs tasted Coca-Cola Cup glory once in 2008, GU will be seeking to lay their hands on the trophy for the very first time. Chiefs can count themselves favourites to clinch the cup and finish the season with a double after having had a relatively tougher road to the final than United.

Magosi had to see of tough opposition in their hoodoo side ECCO City Greens and hard to crack Township Rollers in the quarterfinals and the semis respectively.

GU on the other hand had only a single stern test when they faced BDF XI in the semi-finals having played lower division sides in the earlier stages of the competition. The brutal encounter against BDF XI left GU with a few dents as they lost midfielder Kgololo Leteane and defender Gobonyeone Selefa due to injuries.

The absence of key man Ofentse Nato in the midfield will also be a major concern for caretaker coach, Philimon Makhwengwe's side as they face a side they have struggled to beat for a very long time. GU had a lukewarm season compared to Chiefs who were almost unstoppable. Despite losing illustrious winger Joel Mogorosi, Chiefs still possess a killer instinct upfront with the league joint top goal-scorer Kekaetswe Moloi and the two Moloi brothers Pontsho and Dirang who can be a menace to any defence. Addressing a press conference at the Lekidi Football Centre yesterday, Makhwengwe said he was everything, but concerned about his opponents.

He said he had confidence in his squad despite missing some key players. He will have to do without Zebras' defender George Ohilwe who reportedly went AWOL last month and is yet to report for training. Makhwengwe confirmed that he would have volatile defender, Tumisang Sekanonyane back in his line up provided he remains fit for the match. Sekanonyane has served a two-match suspension. Chiefs' assistant coach, Zachariah Mudzadzi said his charges are ready and hungry for more successes, hence they will lift the cup on Sunday. Unlike GU, Chiefs is riding on a clean bill of health.

The Captain's words: Noah Maposa (GU) -'They (Chiefs) are my former team. I know them very well and I never have a problem playing against them. It will be not about revenge, we also want to end the season with silverware.'

Mpoeleng Mpoeleng (Chiefs) - 'We are not under any pressure. We never struggle against GU and come Sunday we are lifting the cup.' The game starts at 3:00 pm and tickets went on sale yesterday for P50 for all seats.

Chiefs' road to the finals: Peacemakers  0     -      2       Chiefs TASC              0    -    5      Chiefs       Chiefs             3    -    2      ECCO      Chiefs             1    -    0      Rollers     

GU's road to the final:Mochudi Buffaloes           1   -    2      GU Motlakase FC                 0    -     1     ChiefsMolapo Green Birds         1    -     3      GUGU                                 2    -    1      BDF XI