No money but Magosi play well

Shenanigans off the pitch seem to persist at BTC premiership outfit Mochudi Centre Chiefs, however there seem to be progress in the field of play where it really matters.

Following a horrendous first round of the 2016/17 seasons, the Kgatleng giants seem to have turned a new corner, as the results seem to be trickling in. In their 16th game of the season, Magosi devoured a hapless Nico United in a 5-0 drubbing. This past weekend, Maaparankwe collected a crucial three points after beating a tough BDF XI 1-0 at Molepolole.

However, issues of late payments and players missing from training continue to plague Magosi. The team’s headcoach for one seems to be happy with big name   players who have joined the team in the second round.

“Our fitness levels have dipped a lot and it is something we need to sort out as a   family. We need to up our preparations, we need those players on the pitch Monday to Friday,” Mafu said in an interview. Moreover, Mafu who experienced a challenging first round said he was still not getting all players on the pitch all the time.

The coach argued that he is not being a cry-baby but they cannot continue living on chance adding that winning the game against BDF XI was partly due to chance. “These are stolen three points. We grind a result we cannot live on that. We now have the right personnel, guys we got JJ (Ramatlhakwane). “And I will tell you that until the end of the season. Our next focus is our next game.” Mafu added that his aim is to finish in the top position regardless of whether it is the top 8 or top four. “People are now tactical in Botswana football. I cannot be tactical. The league is closely contested, the only team that can talk about winning the league is Galaxy because they have points in the pocket.”

One of the exciting players recently acquired by Chiefs is attacking midfield, Absalom Limbondi. The player comes with a reputation of a prolific gaol scorer from the Namibian league. “As long as I am attacking I am good to go. I am enjoying   football at Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Supporters can expect new flavour from me as this   is what the coach wants me to deliver. I am a ball player,” Limbondi said in an interview this week. Moreover, the enthusiastic player said some of his strengths in the pitch included speed, skill and everything else. Quizzed on what rivals can expect from a revamped Chiefs Limbondi said: “We are coming, I know are we down now but as you can see the team is well prepared.”

The 25-year old from Windhoek in Namibia has since settled well at Chiefs but has not scored yet.
Magosi have also scored big in their goalkeeping department. The new goal minder Siamang Kgosipula was a marvel to watch when he saved Magosi several times against a marauding BDF attack. Kgosipula’s acrobatic abilities and quick reflexes ended up winning him the man of the match against BDF.
“It was not easy for me I had injuries but I am back, I joined Chiefs this season, I played for Motlakase before, I was supposed to join Extension Gunners but there were complications so I searched for another team. Magosi supporters can expect a lot from me,” said the Kumakwane lad.

Meanwhile Magosi spokesperson, Clifford Mogomotsi conceded that there are   challenges within Kgatleng outfit. “We do not have money and such issues will   always crop up. However, we will address such challenges with stakeholders,” Mogomotsi said, adding that it is difficult to pay players on time when the team is underperforming.

Mogomotsi said there are more teething problems at Magosi including court cases. However, he explained that the team’s performance in the pitch has been addressed with certain positions being complimented. An optimistic Mogomotsi said the team is currently talking to potential sponsors.