Tshepo Molwane
3 July 2009
Jwaneng — Mochudi Centre Chiefs' supporters celebrated wildly on Wednesday when defender Michael 'Mahindra' Mogaladi scored a late penalty to seal a slim 1-0 victory over stubborn BDF XI in a tense be MOBILE Premier League match at the Galaxy Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
At the time Chiefs got the spot-kick, most supporters had lost hope about getting maximum points from the game. With news that Sageby Sandaka had given title rivals Gaborone United the lead in Molepolole, most Chiefs' fans thought the quest to defend the title was as good as over. But things changed when Mogaladi stepped up to easily slot the ball past BDF XI goalkeeper, Khalid Niyonzima to send the Chiefs' supporters into frenzy. Chiefs were awarded a penalty by referee Kutlwano Leso after midfield maestro, Dirang Moloi was brought down in the box. The goal came as a relief to Chiefs' supporters who were busy monitoring the proceedings in Molepolole where GU were playing Mogoditshane Fighters.
Wild celebrations followed Leso's final whistle and one would have thought that Magosi had successfully defended the title. GU still lead Chiefs by three points with three games to go.
Chiefs and BDF XI finished the Wednesday game with 10 men each after Jomo Moatlhaping and Mompoloki Mogofu were given red cards in the second half.
The red card is a blow to Moatlhaping who was hoping to contest for the Green Boot Award having scored 23 goals, three less than pacesetter Master Masitara of Nico United. This gives Masitara a good chance to grab the award because Moatlhaping will sit out the upcoming league games against Naughty Boys and Extension Gunners.
After the game against BDF XI, Chiefs' coach Beston Chambeshi said they expected a tough time against Matebele. "It was a good game and you could see that BDF XI gave a good fight. We expected that especially that BDF XI were beaten in their last game (2-1 to GU on Sunday). We are on course to defending the title and the players know what it takes to win the title." Chambeshi said that since they are not playing this weekend, they will have to get a friendly game to keep the rhythm.
BDF XI coach, Stanley Mwaanga said it was a closely-contested game.
"It was a well contested game but I was disappointed at the way the referee handled the game. The Referees' Committee knew the importance of this game and yet they decided to appoint an incompetent referee. How can he flash cards like that?" asked Mwaanga.
Both teams received six yellow cards and a red apiece. Despite the disappointment, Mwaanga is confident that they can finish the season on third spot. He commended his players and management for the contribution they have made so far in the campaign. BDF XI are fourth with 48 points from 26 games.
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