GAMONONYANE: Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ interim head coach, Sekhana Koko, was pleased that his side put their midweek uncertainties behind to get maximum points against Nico United.
The two teams met at the VTM Arena on Sunday afternoon in an FNB Premiership encounter as Magosi emerged with a narrow 1-0 win. The Kgatleng giants had their busiest week this season as they ushered in new management while parting ways with some players and technical staff. On Sunday, Koko was without Township Rollers’ loanees, Kabelo Maphakela and Ototeng Dintwa while the trio of Ryan Brown, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng and Chico Molefe were with their parent club, Jwaneng Galaxy, on Saturday.
Tumisang Selolwane returned to goal, young left back Anorld Obuseng got a rare start while Bogosi Mfila made the starting line-up as Chiefs tried to fill the gaps. The two teams looked at par from the first whistle until a defensive error by Nico allowed Lebopo Moremi to give Chiefs the lead from close range in the 37th minute. Magosi held the lead until half time but laboured for the majority of the second half as the visitors searched for an equaliser. Majombolo were unlucky to hit the upright while most of their attempts were either blocked by the defence or easily handled by Selolwane between the posts. Magosi held on to usher in a new era with a win. “We had a lot of issues from outside the pitch during this week and these things can negatively impact players. But what we tried to do is, first we worked on the mindset before we could do (the physical aspect of) training.
The way things panned out here is exactly how we planned to play against Nico United. You know teams like to capitalise on the opponent's weaknesses and we knew Nico was aware of our situation this week and they would want to go all out for three points. So we tried to be cautious. If you can remember, we had issues of players who were not sure they will remain with us,” said Koko. Magosi moved up to fifth spot, four points behind leaders, TAFIC as new head coach, Pontsho Moloi, looked on from the stands. Quizzed on whether he will be part of the new technical team, Koko said:
“That is a difficult question and there are those better fit to answer but I was called to assist the team in the meantime and I am yet to meet the management over a new deal,” he said.
The teams
Chiefs: Tumisang Selolwane, Jackson Lesole, Kgosietsile Ernest, Thami Zulu, Anorld Obuseng, Bakang Mpatane, Keitumetse Samunzala, Lebopo Moremi, Bogosi Mfila (Maatla Ratshukudu), Monty Enosa (Pako Gaofose) Nico: Gaolatlhe Tshupegetso, Gilbert Molako, Basiamisi Sebapalo, Fungal Muzila (Oratile Mogatusi), Botshelo Motsheja, Seabe Toteng, Atlholang Jeremane (Stephane Mothwalo), Cleopas Kapupurika (Thatayaone Magazi), Gaamangwe Sethibe, Ronald Kaunda, Moabi Phuthego (Tebogo Ishmael)
Cautions: Molako
Chiefs 1 (Moremi 37th) Nico 0