The Saviour

By Tshepo Molwane
Staff Writer | Monday August 25, 2008 00:00

 

Magosi won the shoot-out 5-4 after a dull game at the National Stadium. Despite playing with a shoulder injury throughout the game, Maposa made his presence felt by two crucial saves in normal time. It was the second weekend when the goalkeeper kept Chiefs in the Coca-Cola Cup by performing heroics in the shoot-out. The goalkeeper made important saves during post-match penalties in the quarter-finals against Extension Gunners.

A delighted Maposa said that the game was very difficult and things got worse during the penalties. 'I had to stand tall to ensure that we reach our first Coke final. I have never played in a Coke final and this is the best moment in my career. I was afraid to stretch my arm because I did not want to make the injury worse.

'Though I was playing with an injury, I had to do something,' he said. Chiefs' coach, Beston Chambeshi said supporters have been waiting for a Coke Cup final for long and he is happy the players have realised the dream. 'The players have been putting a lot of effort in the games and I am keeping my fingers crossed that all my players who are injured recover in time for the final,' he said. On Saturday, Chiefs looked ordinary without their influential skipper Pontsho Moloi and defender Gobonyeone 'Shoes' Selefa. With key midfielder Oteng Moalosi starting on the bench, Magosi lacked creativity. Their cause was not helped by the fact that Naughty Boys packed the midfield. Once again, the tactics of Chambeshi came under heavy criticism from some quarters. After the game, one of the spectators commented that Chiefs will be beatable next season. 'They have shown that they can crack,' he said. 
Naughty Boys' coach Moeteledi Chaenda said they played according to plan and just missed a penalty.

'That is it,' he said. Naughty Boys could have won the game if Ringo Rankgomo had taken the chances he got in each half. For a man of his experience, it was disappointing that he fluffed the chances.