allAfrica.com: Botswana: Fighters Warn Buoyant Chiefs (Page 1 of 1)

Relegation-haunted Mogoditshane Fighters have warned red hot title-favourites Mochudi Centre Chiefs not to expect an easy game when they meet in a crucial Mascom Premier League tie at the National Stadium tonight.

While Chiefs need two points to lift the title, the Mogoditshane side is desperate for points to get out of the relegation zone. Chiefs are top of the log with 61 points from 25 games while Fighters are lying on the 13th position with 28 points from 23 outings. Chiefs' title aspirations were put on hold on Saturday night when they were held to a goalless draw by inspired Boteti Young Fighters. After the 3-1 trouncing of Notwane on Sunday, Mogoditshane Fighters are oozing with confidence that they can once again put Chiefs' celebrations on hold. Yesterday, the Brazilians had two training sessions in the morning and afternoon to prepare for the log leaders.

Coach Letang Kgengwenyane said that since they are in a precarious position, they will not let Magosi to dictate terms to them. "If we do not pick points in our remaining games, we might end up getting relegated. Chiefs are a strong side but we are going to compete with them. Just like Boteti, we are going to postpone Chiefs' celebrations," he told Mmegi Sport.

Kgengwenyane said that if they can beat Chiefs, their chances of avoiding relegation will improve. He pointed out that the victory against Notwane has boosted their morale. "The recovery of some of the players who have been injured has helped us and we will face Chiefs with a full-strength squad," he said. Thatayotlhe Gaokgorwe, Pako Moloi and veteran Masego 'Abedi' Ntshingane who were on the score sheet against Toronto, will once again play a pivotal role against Chiefs tonight. Despite Fighters' poor run, Ntshingane has been an influential figure and if left unchecked, he will torment Magosi. Fighters will use this game to seek revenge as Magosi humiliated them 4-0 in the first round at the UB Stadium last year.

Chiefs' coach Beston Chambeshi said that he met the players on Monday evening and they have responded well in training. The draw against Boteti has put Chiefs under immense pressure and another slip-up tonight might further frustrate their hordes of supporters who are thirsty for success. "I think we are on the right track and we can pull a result against Fighters. I assure our supporters that we will lift the trophy and they must come in large numbers. It is important for the supporters to continue supporting us," asserted Chambeshi.

In tonight's game, Chiefs will miss the services of top scorer Jerome Ramatlhakwana. It is expected that either Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko or Kekaetswe 'Mara' Moloi will be drafted into the starting line-up in their quest for maximum points. Pontsho Moloi and Oteng Moalosi, who each scored a brace in the first round win over Fighters, will be in action. Goalkeeper Noah Maposa will have to be at his best to guard against Ntshingane and company. Chiefs' communication manager Clifford Mogomotsi has pleaded with the supporters not to despair. He said though their celebrations have been postponed, the title is in the bag. "They must come and witness history in the making. They have to be there when we lift the trophy. They must come clad in the team's colours and sing and dance as they have been doing all season long," he said. Mogomotsi is confident that even in the absence of Ramatlhakwana, they have other players who can come to score goals. He pleaded with the supporters to come to the stadium in time to avoid congestion at the gates.

Premier League Committee secretary, Setete Phuthego said they will once again take the trophy to the stadium to give to Chiefs if they beat Fighters. "If they win, we will hand them the trophy but the medal presentation will be done during the awards ceremony," he said. Kick off is at 7pm.

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