Tshepo Molwane
18 April 2008
interview
Gaborone — 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?
Moloi: Both gentlemen are true professionals and they deserve credit for the achievement. The good thing is that when Beston came, he did not want to change what Sithole had done. He made some few changes but overall he stuck with what Dubula (Sithole) had laid down. I think Dubula deserves a league medal because he was part of this success.
Mmegi: Having won the league, Chiefs have qualified for the African Championships League. Do you think you can give a good account of yourselves?
Moloi: The management made it clear early in the campaign that if we won the league, they want us to play in the Champions League. But as you might be aware, playing in Africa is not easy and you have to have enough depth to compete. When the management bought players at the start of the season, some people questioned their decision. The good thing is that the management knew what they were doing. Right now, I believe that since we are going to compete in Africa, we need some more players so that we do not relegate next season. This would enable us to have enough cover in case of injuries and other things.
Mmegi: The Coca-Cola Cup has eluded Chiefs in the past and the nearest they came was in 2002 when they lost to TASC in the semi-finals. Do you think you can also win the Coke Cup?
Moloi: Maybe this is a year of good things. Having won the league, maybe we can also go on to win the Coke Cup. But that will not be easy but we will have to fight.
Mmegi: Who has been the most outstanding player at Chiefs this season?
Moloi: I would say Given (Mpundu) and the crew at the back. They really kept us going this season with their stability. Sometimes when we were under pressure, they made the difference.
Mmegi: Talking about Given, how can you describe him?
Moloi: He is a true professional and knows his job having captained Zambian Under-23. You do not have to talk to him for him to perform. All you need is to include him in the starting line-up and he will do the job.
Mmegi: Did Stooge (Noah Kareng) say anything to you when he headed from GU since he has been the captain?
Moloi: Stooge is a phenomenal player and I looked up to him when he was at Chiefs. As you might be aware, I captained the team even when he was at Chiefs because he was not playing. To show my respect for him, I used to hand him the armband when he came on as a substitute. When he left, he wished me the best and told me that he has confidence that I can lead a big club like Chiefs.
Mmegi: What is your future at Chiefs?
Moloi: I am contracted to Chiefs and I am left with two seasons. All I can tell you is that I am happy at the club.
Mmegi: Any message to Chiefs' supporters?
Moloi: Firstly, I would like to start with the management because if it were not for them, we would not be where we are. Rre Molome (Ernest) was criticised when he brought the players, but now it shows that he had a vision. Secondly, credit must go to Clifford (Mogomotsi) for turning the club into a brand. As for the supporters, I want to thank them for rallying behind us throughout the season. Without their support we would not have achieved this. To hear them singing, really motivated us not to disappoint them. At Chiefs, we do not know the meaning of an away game because our supporters are always behind us in large numbers, glad (and clad) in their black and white colours.
Mmegi: Lastly, do you ever talk to your brothers, Dirang and Pako regarding their future in football. In particular, Dirang has been accused of lacking discipline?
Moloi: I do talk to my brothers on a regular basis but cannot decide on which teams they should join. In a nutshell, contrary to what people think, Dirang is a good boy and he knows what he wants. If he (Dirang) has made it clear that he does not want to play for Notwane, it's pointless to keep him. It's like forcing somebody to work for you yet he has made it clear that he does not want to work for you. On the allegations that he was drunk on the eve of their game against BMC (Coca-Cola Cup semi-final), those people are lying because I was with Dirang and his friends and he was sober.
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