Tshepo Molwane
4 April 2008
Gaborone — Unbeaten Mochudi Centre Chiefs face another test when they take on Boteti Young Fighters in a Mascom Premier League game at the National Stadium tomorrow night.
In the first round fixture played at the Itekeng Stadium in Orapa last year, Chiefs beat their opponents by a solitary goal from Jerome 'JJ' Ramatlhakwana. This season, Magosi have been in an uncompromising mood, which has seen them go 24 matches unbeaten. The Kgatleng giants are at the summit of the log with 60 points and look likely to make history by winning their first title unbeaten.
But debutants Boteti have been this season's surprise package, collecting maximum points when least expected. While they were tipped as relegation candidates at the start of the campaign, they have defied the odds and are currently fourth on the log with 37 points from 23 games. Their beautiful displays have won the hearts of football fans. Their good play make them difficult customers and it would be no surprise if they end Chiefs' unbeaten run.
On current form, Magosi are clear favourites to beat their opponents from Orapa. In their last fixture, Chiefs beat TASC 4-1 at the UB Stadium while Boteti suffered a 1-0 loss to third-placed Gaborone United (GU) in Gaborone. Reports coming from Orapa indicate that all is not well in the Boteti camp.
Though he did not want to give away too much information, coach Kenneth Mogae sounded like a worried man ahead of the date against Magosi. He told Mmegi Sport that they lost to Nico United and GU because of some internal problems. "The players are not motivated. As a player, you cannot compete well when you are not fired-up. This is a concern and we will have to address it immediately," he told Mmegi Sport.
Mogae pointed out that circumstances have forced him to change the team he will field against the log leaders. Besides internal problems, injuries to key players have crippled Boteti. It is doubtful whether key striker Derrick Ntumbayi will start tomorrow and if he does not, it will be a great loss for Boteti. Ntumbayi has been a revelation for Mogae's side this season and has scored 12 goals. Midfielder Moleta Tshelang has been ruled out of the tie. "But people should not write us off because our position on the log says a lot. We are going to compete and Chiefs must expect resistance from this team," said Mogae. In the absence of key players, it is Patrick Lenyeletse and Kgakgamatso Pharo who will carry the hopes of the Orapa side.
Chiefs' tactician Beston Chambeshi told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he has a full-strength squad and he has been impressed by the attitude shown by his players in training. He asserted that they will accord Boteti the respect they deserve. The Zambian tactician pleaded with Chiefs' supporters to continue rallying behind the side until the last game of the season.
Chiefs will once again pin their hopes on the attacking quartet of captain Pontsho Moloi, Ramatlhakwana, Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo and Oteng Moalosi. Between them, they have scored 44 of Chiefs' 53 goals this season. Kick-off is at 7pm.
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