30 Jan 2022

Mochudi Centre chiefs’ Emmanuel Thabe rose to the occasion in the 88 th minute to give his side the bragging right by winning 1-0 against Mochudi Rovers in a Debswana First Division South encounter played in Mochudi on Saturday.

It was evident that a lot was at stake, and Kgatleng was divided for 90 minutes as both teams’ supporters filled the Mochudi Rovers ground to capacity, waiting in anticipation to witness the team to rule their village.

Initially both sides started at a very low tempo as the players seemed cautious and muddy ground too did not help.

As the game progressed Centre Chiefs changed gears as they started launching attacks, but all their efforts were thwarted by Rovers goal minder Obakeng Pone who was a marvel to watch.

Realising their opponents ‘mission Rovers also changed their play and started launching some attacks though their casual striking force did not help.

The game went into a recess with the scoreboard reading 0-0, and after break Rovers continued to frustrate Magosi who wanted a win by hook or crook given that they lost two consecutive games against Tlokweng United and Broadhurst United.

As the game progressed, both teams continued with their attack as supporters of both sides were about to give in and accept to share the points, Khomoetsile Kufigwa passed a beauty which was well received by Thabe who headed it right into the net, to give Magosi three valuable points.

Centre Chiefs coach Thatayamodimo Tebele said in an interview that, he was happy that they managed to salvage a win in what he termed a very difficult clash.

He said Rovers pilled a lot of pressure on his side, adding that it was a 50/50 game, and any team that managed to utilise their chances was bound to win.

The coach said he was worried that, despite winning the game, his players continue to misuse scoring opportunities.

“Even in our last games, we failed to bury our chances, but going forward we will have to be robust and aggressive to utilise all our chances,” he said.

Rovers coach Pele Matlapeng said it was difficult for him to accept a defeat, considering the fact that the game was balanced.

“Both teams were attacking and to be scored in the last minutes of the game, is really very difficult for me to accept,” he said.

The coach said he had expected his opponents coming with guns blazing given that they lost two consecutive games, hence he fully prepared for the game, although things did not turn up the way they planned.

In other Debswana First Division South played on Saturday, Tlokweng United and Taung Young Strikers played to a goalless draw.

Union Flamengo Santos beat Red Sparks 1-0 at Lekidi. BOPA