Magoleng host Magosi in fight for promotion
Kgatleng giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs will be looking to cut down Black Forest when they travel to Mmankgodi on Saturday in search of their first win of the year.
Having picked up just one point from their two fixtures in 2020, Chiefs’ hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League are fading fast.
With just eight games remaining, the four-time league champions find themselves ten points adrift of Debswana First Division South leader’s Masitaoka.
Currently in 4th position, Magosi’s most likely route back to the top flight looks to be through the play-offs.
To achieve this, they would have to make up a five-point gap to second-placed Mogoditshane Fighters.
However, Black Forest harbor promotion aspirations of their own.
Magoleng, who like Chiefs were relegated from the elite division last season, go into Saturday’s clash on the back of successive 1-0 wins over Jwaneng Fighters and Mogoditshane.
The results saw Forest rise to 5th in the league. They now trial Chiefs by a single point.
Speaking to Voice Sport this week, Forest coach Reetsang Letlole refused to get carried away with his side’s recent form.
“We are still in a building phase; we lost so many players when we relegated! So it is a start-over with a pool of young players. If it happens for us to win the league it will be a bonus,” he declared, stressing his team were well prepared for the visit of Chiefs.
Letlole is adamant home advantage will play a factor and called on Magoleng’s famously vocal supporters to turn up in numbers.
“We are playing in front of our home crowd and we will be relying heavily on them to carry us. They are happy and we would like to keep it that way by winning matches!”
For his part, Chiefs mouthpiece John Marumo said the club were confident of getting their stuttering season back on track.
“We have thoroughly prepared for Forest and we want nothing but a win. However, it is not going to be an easy match because they are an equally good side and they can cause an upset on the day,” he admitted cautiously.
Quizzed on the loss of influential captain Jomo
Moatlhaping, who left for Police XI last month, Marumo was philosophical in his response.
“In football, players come and go. Jomo made his mark in our history and it was time for his departure and we are grateful for his services. Moreover, our mandate remains the same – to rejuvenate Magosi and return to the elite league!” he said, before turning his attention to the unruly behavior of a section of Chiefs fans after last week’s 1-0 loss to Red Sparks.
Sparks flew after the defeat, when around 15 Chiefs fans got involved in a punch up with opposition supporters.
“Chiefs supporters need to be called to order. We are of aware of our recent form but the behaviour they portrayed during the Red Sparks loss is not condoned and it should stop,” warned Marumo.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
(All the games to be played on Saturday at 4pm)
Masitaoka FC v Jwaneng Fighters
Ncojane Young Stars v Holy Ghost
Matebejana v Mogoditshane Fighters
Red Sparks v Broadhurst United
Mochudi Rovers v Union Flamengo Santos
Black Forest v Mochudi Centre Chiefs