01 Dec 2024

Francistown-based outfit, TAFIC took a bold and confident decision to bring their home game to the door step of their enemy, Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

Not only did TAFIC return home with maximum points, they also toppled Chiefs from the summit of the log after winning the top of the clash encounter at the National Stadium on Saturday.

A solitary goal by Kazadi Gauther in the second half of a game devoid of clear chances was enough to seal the game.

Taking the game to the doorstep of Chiefs was a gamble that even Matjimenyenga gaffer, Elias Chinyemba conceded.

“I thought we were brave to bring our home game to the home of Chiefs while they are doing so well. They are a good side that has quality players, but we were bold nonetheless,” he said.

Chinyemba said they decided to bring the game to Gaborone to promote the team as a brand.

“We are trying to build a huge following such that we can have support wherever we play. This will also help the team financially as it will be able to better sell its merchandise,” he said.

Despite getting away with maximum points, Chinyemba still felt they could have done better.

“This is one game that I will take the result, but not the performance. We didn’t play our usual passing game and we did not connect through the midfield,” he said.

The Matjimenyenga gaffer said they also failed to go wide and put a lot of crosses in the box like normal.

He however, said he took solace in the fact that his team wasmostly composed of young and inexperienced boys assembled from the lower divisions.

“With that, for us its a lesson with each game. The fact that the Zebras have qualified for AFCON is what I use to motivate them. I made it known to them that the selection to Morocco was still open for everyone, so it inspires them in training and on match day,” he said.

For his part, Magosi coach, Enos Mmesi said after their first loss of the season, they felt like a wounded lion.

“We need to put this game behind us and quickly come back if we really want to challenge for the tittle,” he said.

He also said the game was as physical as they anticipated. Mmesi said although the goal could be attributed to individual players who lacked match fitness, credit should not be denied TAFIC.

“We just need to be humble and admit that they were better than us in many aspects. They were quick, their transition was much better while we were a bit sluggish and lost most possession,” he said.

Mmesi was confident that his team would come back. 

The result put TAFIC on 18 points while Chiefs remained on 16 points. BOPA