14 Mar 2022

Mochudi Centre Chiefs kept their dream to return to the premier league alive by walloping Black Forest by a solitary goal.

A well-executed penalty by Arnold Mampori secured three points for Magosi in an entertaining First Division South game played at Riverplate Stadium Saturday.

Black Forest, alias Magoleng, are still perched at the summit of the log with 26 points while Chiefs are third with 22.

Chiefs coach, Thatayaone Tebele, said they intended to return to the premier league provided they do well in the remaining 10 games.

He said although he was happy to have pocketed maximum points, there was still room for improvement, especially in the midfield saying they did not play according to plan.

Chief aka Magosi have always struggled to beat the Mmankgodi-based team and the Saturday victory broke the jinx.

The game itself was entertaining as both teams looked for maximum points.

However, tragedy struck Black Forest early in the first half when Mogomotsi Kerebotswe had to be substituted due to an injury.

His replacement, Terrance Mandaza, however, did not disappoint although he was forced to collect balls from the midfield.

The duo of Joseph Raboso and Gobona Ramotlhwa kept Chiefs defence on its toes, using their skills and speed to attack from the wings.

However, their efforts were futile as most of the time their crosses failed to connect with strikers inside the box.

At the other end, Oarabile Powe and Khumoetsile Kufigwa proved to be troublesome and kept Michael James busy in the goal posts.

Powe missed a clear chance in the first half when he ballooned a cross from Kufigwa.

Earlier, his shot missed the net by a whisker, much to the disappointment of Magosi supporters who had come to the game in droves.

The first half ended in a stalemate and the second half started at a high pace with the teams showing lack of respect to their opponents.

Mandaza, nicknamed Terror, terrorised the midfield and Chiefs defender, Gomotsang Teselaesele had to work extra time to contain the troublesome Ramotlhwa.

Failure to make the right decisions saved Chiefs as Ramotlhwa’s crosses always landed safely on the hands of the goalkeeper.

The introduction of Malrven Moyo and Donald Moilwe paid dividends for the hosts as they added pace upfront.

Moyo caused havoc with his dribbling skills and speed and his cross resulted with a foul on Moilwe and the referee did not waste time and pointed to the penalty spot.

Free kick specialist, Mampori did not disappoint as he sent James the wrong way and put the ball inside the net.

Black Forest coach, Reetsang Letlole, although disappointed with a loss, said he was happy with the way his players executed their game plan, save for the error which led to a penalty.

He said every game against Chiefs, from the days they played against each other at the premier league, was like a cup final. ENDS