Nico maintain pursuit as Chiefs regain touch

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday May 7, 2013 00:00

 

It was Chiefs' second successive victory after a long dry spell. Nico United are still one point behind Chiefs with four matches remaining. Chiefs, on the other hand, are left with six games. The title race looks set to go for an interesting finish.

Chiefs have picked form at the right time and have found their scoring boots once again. Against Notwane in the midweek, Chiefs scored three goals courtesy of Pontsho Moloi, Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Elvis Meleka. This past Saturday, they scored three against GU with Kekaetswe Moloi netting a brace. The other goal came from Ramatlhakwana.

The defending champions have tried many combinations during the recent slump with Kekaetswe at one point starting alone upfront. The other matches he partnered Ramatlhakwana and would sit on the bench the following match as results refused to go their way. However, the two strikers now seem to be jelling and their combination could be vital in the next remaining matches. Against Mogoditshane Fighters on Sunday, Nico were at one point leading 4-1, but nearly gave away the victory as Fighters scored two goals in the second half. They have managed to do well at home (Selebi-Phikwe), but struggle to repeat the same feat when they play away.

GU's title ambitions suffered a dent when they lost to Chiefs on Saturday. They now find themselves trailing the log leaders by five points with four matches remaining for them. They dropped to position four with BDF XI taking up position three after their 2-0 win against BR Highlanders. BDF XI are level on points with GU but have a superior goal difference.

Meanwhile, the battle for survival touched an interesting phase with Notwane, Prisons XI and Uniao Flamengo Santos both registering victories over the weekend. Santos defeated ECCO City Greens away from home to improve their survival chances. Notwane on the other hand beat Extension Gunners with a solitary goal from veteran striker, Tshepiso Molwantwa.

Santos have now moved to position 11 on the log, leapfrogging TAFIC who played to a 0-0 draw against BMC on Sunday. Notwane remained at position 13 with 26 points. Prisons XI are placed at position 14 with 25 points. BR Highlanders status for next season have already been confirmed and Fighters look set to join them despite boasting some of the experienced campaigners.