3 October 2008
The delayed 2008-2009 Premier League season kicks-off tomorrow with what is expected to be another epic duel between the all-conquering national champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs and resurgent Extension Gunners.
Many pundits believe that the moment of truth has come when Chiefs' unbeaten record will be breached. After finishing the 2007-2008 Premier League season without a loss from 30 games, many people believe that the Magosi juggernaut will come unstuck tomorrow night.
If history is anything to go by, supporters will be on the edge throughout the game. Though they won their first league title last season, Magosi supporters would agree that they have never had it easy against Gunners. In their last league clash, Mapantsula put a spirited performance and held their more fancied opponents to a 1-1 draw, in a game that Gunners could have won if it was not for some controversial refereeing.
After the draw, the two rivals met in a memorable Coca-Cola Cup quarterfinal clash in August. Gunners came into the game with a spot-on tactical plan which frustrated Magosi throughout. However, Chiefs won through post-match penalties. Since then, many football supporters believe that the Kgatleng giants are beatable.
This weekend, Gunners are expected to come with another plan to break Chiefs' record. Once again, the man tasked with masterminding the downfall hopes of Magosi is Daniel 'Chicco' Nare. The tactician knows the strength of most Chiefs' players having coached the team before. By yesterday, Nare was not worried about meeting Magosi in the season opener. Though he says it has been difficult to plan for this season because they did not know when it was going to start, they have no choice but to face Magosi. "We have to go there and play Chiefs. I am playing a waiting game to see what they come up with and I will take it from there. Having created so many chances in the last game against Chiefs, I think I should be more concerned about converting," says Nare. He points out that Chiefs is a good side and will always come into the game as favourites but they are prepared for them.
Gunners come into the game without the services of defender Emmanuel Nlu who is said to be carrying a knee injury after colliding with Kemmy Pilato in training. Captain Ofentse Mmipi is expected to miss the game after sustaining injury at the national team camp. "We have not received any report from the Zebras but we understand he is out," says Nare.
With or without Mmipi, Gunners have a strong squad which can push Chiefs throughout the game. Pilato, Monametsi 'Sunday' Kelebale, Finkie Mothibi, Maano Ditshupo and Kgololo Leteane are some of the players who can break the hearts of Magosi fans. Chiefs' coach Beston Chambeshi told Mmegi Sport that they have been doing well in training and they are only waiting for the players who are in the national team camp. "We are ready for Gunners and we know that this is a different ball game altogether and we want to start the season on a high." Chiefs go into the season opener after losing 2-0 to their brothers Mochudi Buffaloes in the Independence Cup final played in Mochudi on Tuesday. After resting several key players like Noah Maposa, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Michael Mogaladi, James Kachinga, Pontsho Moloi, Othusitse Pilane, Mpho Mabogo and Given Mpundu, Magosi are expected to bounce back strongly and show their opponents that they are still a force to reckon with. To many Chiefs' supporters, Gunners should not read too much in the defeat to Buffaloes as they will be in for a rude awakening.
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