Tshepo Molwane
11 April 2008
Gaborone — Mochudi Centre Chiefs were crowned national soccer champions for the first time when they thrashed Mogoditshane Fighters 4-2 in an entertaining Mascom Premier League game at the National Stadium on Wednesday night.
After the goalless draw against Boteti Young Fighters halted their march to glory last weekend, Chiefs came into Wednesday's game knowing that nothing less than a victory would see them lifting their first title in over 30 years. This put the players under pressure and it was no surprise when the champions conceded early in the game.
Fighters' winger Charles Mositwane made a telling run on the left and crossed in the box. Chiefs' goalkeeper Noah Maposa was expected to make an easy catch but he spilled the ball and Thatayotlhe Gaokgorwe took full advantage to give Fighters the lead. Fighters played beautiful football and gave Chiefs little room in the opening 20 minutes much to the delight of their supporters. The Brazilians were inspired by the presence of their patron, President Ian Khama who watched the game from the Pandamatenga tunnel.
Though Chiefs created scoring chances, they could not find the back of the net. Captain Pontsho Moloi and Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo had clear-cut chances earlier on but they could not beat Fighters' goalkeeper Mogomotsi Ramakwale. Fighters continued to push forward with Mositwane and Masego Ntshingane influential. The Mogoditshane side could have stretched the lead in the 29th minute, but Pako Moloi fired wide with Maposa at his mercy.
Chiefs got the equaliser in the 43rd minute when Tshepo 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe headed home a well-taken corner by captain Pontsho Moloi. When referee Israel Malepa blew the halftime whistle, Khama quickly dashed to the dressing rooms but never came back to give his side the much-needed morale booster. After the break, Chiefs showed that they meant business when Oteng Moalosi fired home from the edge of the box after Fighters failed to clear their lines. The goal sent their supporters into wild celebrations and as if they had already won the match and the title. Magosi supporters continued to sing and dance and this seemed to motivate the players who gained confidence.
Fighters did not sit back and created chances. Mositwane could have levelled matters in the 52nd minute but for some reason he fired wide with an open goal at his mercy. Ten minutes later, Chiefs' new recruit Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko headed home from an awkward angle to make the match safe at 3-1. It was 4-1 in the 69th minute when Chiefs' captain Pontsho Moloi pounced. The dazzling forward neutralised his opponents on the left flank before beating goalkeeper Ramakwale on the near post. At this stage, the writing was on the wall and Chiefs' officials started preparing for the trophy presentation.
After the fourth goal, Chiefs started playing for the crowd especially Moalosi and Pontsho Moloi. The crowd responded with a huge applause whenever the two players were in possession.
Fighters reduced the deficit when Barney Marman beat the offside trap and fired the ball past Maposa. The goal did not worry Magosi as the title was already in the bag. After the final whistle, Magosi went into wild celebrations before they were awarded the trophy by Mascom and Premier League Committee officials.
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