Boitumelo Khutsafalo
30 June 2008
Mochudi Centre Chiefs' dream of a historic treble moved another step on Saturday when they lifted the lucrative Kabelano Charity Cup after thrashing ECCO City Greens 2-0 in the final.
After winning the Premier League unbeaten, Chiefs are now in line to clinch three titles in a year when they enter the fray in the prestigious Coca-Cola Cup.
Though some pundits were not entirely convinced about their performance on Saturday, Magosi once again showed that they have quality players who can read the game well. The difference between Chiefs and other clubs is the quality of players they have. Chiefs continue to bring in good players and rarely give away any and this has borne fruits. After clinching the Mascom Premier League undefeated, winning the Charity Cup could be an indication that they are capable of winning everything on offer this year. Before beating ECCO, Chiefs had defeated Notwane in the second semi-final through a solitary goal from the spot by Pontsho Moloi.
ECCO reached the final by overcoming Township Rollers 4-3 in a game that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. ECCO's goals came from Mandlaenkosi Sibanda, Robert Tamba, Malepa Bolelang and Gaboratanelwe Kgosietsile while Joel Mogorosi and Monageng Thaele (two goals) were on target for Rollers. The game proved once more that Rollers must seal the loopholes in their defence. It is a puzzle why Thebe Maiketso was played at right back especially since Gabriel Bokhutlo was on the bench.
In the final, ECCO seemed to be crippled upfront because of the absence of Tamba who was rushed to hospital midway through the first game because of a head injury. Tamba ended up badly when tussling for a high ball with Rollers' defender, Kgomari Mothuba. They had the first real chance though, in the 16th minute when Sibanda found himself unmarked but he ballooned his shot over the bar.
A few moments later, Chiefs' winger, Sekhana Koko's long-range effort went wide. Chiefs started the game on a low pace, perhaps to save energy but they became dangerous every time they approached ECCO's goalposts especially since their captain, Pontsho Moloi was on song. Chiefs were awarded a free kick in the 20th minute and Tshepo 'Talk Talk' Motlhabankwe was unlucky to see his well struck shot hitting the cross bar before returning to the field.
A good build up in the dying minutes of the first half involving Moloi saw Chiefs threaten to take the lead but Motlhabankwe failed to beat ECCO goalkeeper, Michael Onkutule. Coach Raphael Phiri of ECCO tried to increase the pace early on in the second half by the introduction of Tebogo Sembowa for Kgosietsile. Sembowa who looked a bit rusty in the first game against Rollers in the morning, showed some brilliance against Chiefs. His striking partner, Sibanda looked a bit tired especially towards the middle of the first half with captain Bolelang playing in midfield.
Moloi broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute, slotting the ball past Onkutule. ECCO tried to get an equaliser by surging forward in numbers but in vain. Chiefs launched a counter attack and Elijah Phiriepa wrapped up a brilliant tournament with a beautiful goal to seal the victory.
After the game, Chiefs' coach, Beston Chambeshi praised his players for the commitment and determination they showed for the entire tournament. He hailed the supporters who have never given up rallying behind the team. He said that their strategy was to hold ECCO in the first half and try to open the game in the second half. "We had a tough game against Notwane and since we did not have enough rest, we decided to close them (ECCO) up in the first half. I respect ECCO City. They put up a good game," he said.
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