allAfrica.com: Botswana: Moloi Guides Magosi to League Title (Page 1 of 2)

Mochudi Centre Chiefs' forward, Pontsho 'Piro' Moloi recently became the youngest captain to lead Magosi to their first league title in over 35 years.

Mmegi: Last week you led Magosi to their first league title as their captain when you beat Mogoditshane Fighters 4-2. How does it feel, achieving something that others failed to do in the past?

Moloi: The feeling was unbelievable because Chiefs had never won the league championship in their history. To put the icing on the cake, I was their captain and that would remain in the history books. I am proud of the achievement.

Mmegi: But you were supposed to have won the title four days earlier and Boteti Young Fighters frustrated you when they held Chiefs to a goalless draw. How did you guys feel after the game?

Moloi: Imagine Mascom brought the cup to the ground and it had to be taken back to the Premier League offices. It was not nice because we wanted to win on that day. But that did not demoralise us because we went back to the training ground and worked hard for the Fighters' game. We had confidence that we could win it against Fighters. The management and players were also there for us and that alone was a motivation.

Mmegi: As a captain, how did you ensure that the players remain focused ahead of the Fighters' game?

Moloi: It was not easy but I told them that it is important for us to go into the game focused. I further told them not to listen to the outside world because that was going to affect our performance.

Mmegi: Ahead of the Fighters' game, how was the mood in your camp?

Moloi: We were relaxed but geared up for the game. We knew what was expected from us and the three coaches did a good job by giving us a word of encouragement. In the dressing room, Jomo (Mpho Mabogo) also said something to the guys and that was enough for us to go for the title.

Mmegi: Fighters shocked you when they scored in the second minute. What went through your mind at the time; did you feel that your celebrations were going to be delayed again?

Moloi: We had experienced that in the past whereby teams scored before us. That happened when we played TASC and we came back to hammer them 5-1. Gunners and Rollers scored before us but we fought our way back. So when Fighters scored, I told myself that let's see what happens in this game. Without taking anything away from Fighters, they played well. We had our chances in that game. Unfortunately we could not convert but that did not demoralise us. Fortunately Talk-Talk (Tshepo Motlhabankwe) equalised for us and we went on break at 1-1. In the opening 15 minutes of the second half, we managed to score and the confidence came back. Fighters attacked us in their bid to restore their lead, but unfortunately for them, they opened gaps at the back and we punished them. In the end we won 4-2.

Mmegi: You scored a goal after a brilliant effort on the left. How did you feel to score in such an important game?

Moloi: I believe scoring goals is important regardless of the game. But scoring in a game like that one, is something I will always cherish. People will always remember that game because it won us the championship.

Mmegi: How did you feel seeing thousands of your supporters jumping in joy?

Moloi: It was really electrifying to see them in that mood. You could see that it meant a lot to them as they have been waiting for a long time. They were part of us throughout the game and they deserved to celebrate.

Mmegi: Since you have won the championship, having gone 26 games unbeaten, does it mean that you are not going to put in much effort in the remaining four games?

Moloi: We have already made history by going 26 games unbeaten and how we are going to approach the remaining games is another story. We want to make history by finishing the league without a loss and that alone would serve as a motivation in the remaining games.

Mmegi: Police XI and ECCO City Greens did not perform well after winning the league titles. Are you not worried that this might come to haunt your side?

Moloi: Though I am not aware what happened to both sides after their league triumphs, I do not think that can happen to us. I know our management and technical team would guard against that. Even the players have done their home work.

Mmegi: Gaborone United (GU) coach Mike Sithole led Magosi in 16 games before his compatriot Beston Chambeshi took charge for the other 10 games before you lifted the trophy. What can you say about the duo?

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