Gaborone — The quest by Mochudi Centre Chiefs to become the first club to win the national soccer league with an unbeaten record comes under another severe test tonight when they meet their closest challengers, Uniao Flamengo Santos at the UB Stadium.

Since the league started, Magosi have been unstoppable, winning 15 games and drawing six. Tonight, second-placed Santos will be seeking to bring down the Kgatleng giants and reduce the 13 points gap between them. Chiefs are perched at the top of the log with 51 points from 21 games, while Santos are on 38 points from 20 games.

After 32 years of suffering, Chiefs are poised to win their first major soccer title and beating their closest challengers tonight is a priority. This season, Magosi seem to have learnt a lesson after slipping when it mattered most last year and letting ECCO City Greens run away with the title. After an electrifying 2-2 draw in a rain-soaked first round tie at the same venue, another thriller is on the cards tonight when Chiefs meet Santos. Santos have experienced mixed fortunes in the last three weeks and to get back on track, they have to beat the log leaders. The Gabane-side suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat away to rookies Boteti Young Fighters last weekend, while Magosi fought hard to beat Gaborone United (GU) 2-1 at the National Stadium. Chiefs coach Beston Chambeshi said that he expects an entertaining game since they are up against a side which is second on the log. He told Mmegi Sport that they are treating each game seriously. "The boys have been hard at training as they understand the importance of this game," he said. Chambeshi pointed out that after the accusations levelled at his charges following the GU game, he has talked to the players and they are fired up.

"The problem is that our opponents always come hard at us just like in the GU game. The referees are also doing little to protect us," he said. Chambeshi called on their supporters to continue attending their games in large numbers as this motivates the players to go for glory. In tonight's game, leading goalscorer Jerome Ramatlhakwana is expected to lead the onslaught against Santos assisted by Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo and Pontsho Moloi. In defence, Given Mpundu and Tshepo 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe will keep Santos' attack under check. Chiefs will miss the services of Under-23 international Noah Maposa who is serving a two-match ban. Santos coach Raphael Phiri believes that his side is ready to take their opponents head on.

He said that games like these do not need any special preparation as the players are already motivated. "Normally when we play Chiefs, players are motivated and everybody wants to play. If my players want to beat Chiefs, they can do it because no team is unbeatable," he told Mmegi Sport. Just like Chambeshi, the Santos tactician pleaded with supporters to attend the game in large numbers to witness what promises to be an epic clash.

With Seabo Gabanakgosi expected to miss out due to an injury, Santos will rely on the experience of Pius Kolagano and Khumo 'Shoes' Motlhabane to guard the marauding Chiefs' attackers. Upfront, Ringo Rankgomo and Thapelo Sethebethe are expected to torment the log leaders. Kick off is 7.30pm.