Back
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has continued his positive start as head coach of Mochudi Centre Chiefs after leading the Botswana Premier League side to a 2-1 away victory over Enesia FC on Saturday.
The result secured three important points for Mochudi Centre Chiefs and marked their second consecutive win under Letsholonyane, popularly known as Yeye. The club has now recorded three victories, two defeats and one draw in its opening six league matches.
Letsholonyane was appointed head coach in September after leaving his assistant coaching position at Zimbabwean club FC Platinum, where he worked alongside fellow South African coach Thabo Senong.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder has since begun his latest coaching assignment in Botswana, seeking to build on his previous experience and establish himself further in the coaching profession.
His team previously recorded a 2-1 victory over Township Rollers before securing another three points against Enesia FC. Although his first match in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat to Tafic, the recent results have given the club an opportunity to improve its position in the standings.
Following the victory over Enesia, Mochudi Centre Chiefs moved into fourth place with 10 points, four points behind league leaders Tonata FC. The result keeps them within reach of the teams above them as the league campaign continues.
The match against Enesia began positively for the visitors, who took the lead shortly before half-time. Nicolas Melgarejo scored in the 42nd minute to give Mochudi Centre Chiefs a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Letsholonyane’s side continued to push forward after the restart, looking to extend its lead and strengthen its chances of securing an away victory.
Their efforts paid off in the 68th minute when Ronaldo Fortune found the net to make it 2-0. The goal provided the visitors with a more comfortable advantage as they approached the final stages of the match.
Enesia, however, continued to fight and managed to reduce the deficit in the 85th minute through Thapelo Thebeyagae. The late goal increased the pressure on Mochudi Centre Chiefs as the home side attempted to find an equaliser.
Despite the late challenge, Letsholonyane’s players maintained their lead until the final whistle, securing another important result in their league campaign.
The latest victory also adds to Letsholonyane’s previous coaching experience in Botswana. He formerly worked with Matebele FC, helping the club retain its place in the country’s top division. His contribution during that period also earned him a nomination for the Coach of the Season award.
As a former Bafana Bafana international and Kaizer Chiefs player, Letsholonyane is now working to translate his experience on the pitch into success from the technical area.
The back-to-back victories will provide encouragement for the coach and his squad as they continue their campaign. With Mochudi Centre Chiefs now occupying fourth place, the focus will be on maintaining consistency and collecting further points in the coming matches.
https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/sa-stars-abroad/yeye-guides-chiefs-to-second-straight-win/