05 Feb 2024

Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Desert Nxau played to a one all draw in a scintillating and nerve wrecking game that kept supporters on their toes at River plate grounds in Mochudi on Saturday.

The game started very late due to the late coming of refereeing officials.

Magosi, as Mochudi Centre Chiefs is affectionately called, opened the scoring sheet through their striker Koos Matlala who beat Desert Nxau goal keeper Tshokolo Thetele from a free kick outside the 18th area sending a wave of joy across the River plate grounds which was packed with supporters.

Despite Magosi hitting the post more than twice to increase their goal tally, Desert Nxau proved that a game against them was not a walk over.

Koos Matlala’s 17th minute goal was cancelled by Desert Nxau striker Oratile Cooper who took advantage of an error committed by Chiefs defence in the 38th minute as they failed to clear the ball, equalising for his team.

Chiefs were denied a goal again in the 39th minute as their captain Remmington Masuku caused havoc in Desert Nxau defence but failed to score.

From recess, Desert Nxau defence had a lot of work defending the onslaught of attacks from Chiefs strikers in Thabo Phatsima, Matlala and Malvern Moyo who wanted a win for their team.

Michael Onneng, Gift Vanstaden, Edson Pule and Davis Matthys worked endlessly to thwart chiefs’ scoring opportunities that could cost them a point.

Centre Chiefs Coach Oupa Kowa said failure to utilise goal scoring opportunities denied his team three points

Coach Kowa said despite the psychological effects of the game starting late, his players came to the party and proved that they were a team to reckon with.

The coach said he was happy with his players’ performance, though they became desperate to win the game in the second half which put them under pressure.

Desert Nxau Coach Joseph Kootsene expressed disappointment on the late start of the game, which had an impact on their game plan.

Nevertheless, he said he was happy that they collected a point. Ends