03 Jun 2024

Motlakase Power Dynamos, popularly known as Chouka, have won the first leg of the first division promotional play-offs after beating Uniao Flamengo Santos 1-0 at the VTM Arena at Gamononyane on Saturday.

The Palapye-based Chouka scored their goal in the 57^th minute of the second half through Meshack Puompe, who fired a shot that Santos goalkeeper failed to stop to the disappointment of their fans who had come in large numbers for  support.

Chouka’s marksman, Kgololo Kgogobi provided good crosses that gave Santos defence some distress in efforts to save their side, only to be hoarded by Puompe who was alert to the goal attempts and buried the opponents’ hopes of winning the first leg. In the first half of the match, Santos enjoyed ball possession but that seemed inadequate to convert the numerous chances they created.

However, Chouka came back into the second half more prepared as they began to control the game which ultimately saw them put one past Puompe to put their side in the lead.

Chouka’s goal, as expected, subverted Santos’ defence as the latter began to commit needless fouls which led to one of their strikers, Kenamile Mokgweetsi, who came in as a substitute, given marching orders for fouling Santos’ goalkeeper.

Santos’ woes worsened as they continued to play one man down and Chouka exploited the anomaly and used it to dominate the game.

In a post-match interview, Santos coach Badiri Rudolf said it was unfortunate that they created many goal chances but failed to convert, especially in the first half.

“We created several clear cut opportunities, two or three of them which Matthews Moruti could have scored with ease, but we failed to score. 

We played well in the first half, but I knew that our opponents might get a chance to score against us and they did. This is football, anything can happen,” Rudolf said.

He added that playing on the turf also contributed to their loss given that players used football boots instead of the usual trainers they don on their dusty playground.

Conversely, he was optimist that not all was lost given that they were to meet again in the second leg.

“We will be more prepared to win more so that it was the first time we played against Motlakase. 

Even though it will be an insurmountable task, I trust the boys will deliver and come back with a win,” he added.

For his part, Chouka coach, Agang Mogotsi admitted to playing a tightly contested game where they had to study Santos and their style of play in order to win. Mogotsi said Santos dominated the game in the first half but a word with his boys during the break helped them gain momentum in the second half.

The second leg awaits and Mogotsi was unwavering in their preparations for it, knowing Santos would also prepare and return in the hunt for a win.

“We cannot be complacent as we can get beaten at home as much as we beat Santos at the VTM Arena. But our ultimate goal is to be promoted to the premier league and we will do all possible to achieve that,” Mogotsi said. ENDS