TAFIC allegedly sack Saulos
Chakalisa Dube | Monday February 13, 2023 16:00
Matjimenyenga, as TAFIC are affectionately known, won the Debswana First Division North (FDN) league clash by a solitary goal. Saulos was not on the bench on Saturday amid growing reports that he has been sacked for not availing a technical report for the previous match. In addition, Saulos was reportedly not part of preparations for the Sankoyo encounter. Assistant coaches Mmoloki Sechele and Lovemore Mokgweetsi presided over the preparations. However, it was evident that the supporters are not happy with the duo. The general feeling is that the two men are not competent to lead the team to the elite league. But TAFIC chairperson, Tumelo Toteng defended the absence of Saulos from the weekend clash. “There is no need to panic. The coach is attending a coaching course in Jwaneng. He will soon be back,” Tumelo told Monitor Sport after the match in a brief response.
It remains to be seen whether Saulos will make a return to the bench. Some supporters have labelled the stance of the chairperson a pure public relations exercise. Meanwhile, TAFIC were relatively average on Saturday. They lacked grit and determination compared to their previous matches. Modise Modipe’s close range shot that was parried off play by Sankoyo goalkeeper, Lesego Dipateletso was the only true moment of quality in the first half. As for Sankoyo, although their overall performance was not also convincing, they did threaten with counter attacks and high balls. TAFIC found the back of the net two minutes before the break, through an own goal.
Poloko Modisane turned Tillie Setlhako’s well taken header from a corner kick into his own net. The second half was also a very subdued contest, with both sides not keen to go forward. TAFIC top goal scorer, Modipe, could have extended his season’s tally to eight but he ballooned his effort over the bar from close range in the 68th minute. The host could have also extended their lead in the 79th minute when Yashe Dambe found himself with the goalkeeper the only man to beat. The former Calendar Stars forward failed to perfectly connect with the ball.
Sankoyo were unlucky not to find the equaliser during optional time. Wabuya Aebe’s neatly executed free kick hit the upright. TAFIC remain top of the league with 27 points while rookies Mbalakalungu who won 2-1 at home against Peace Makers are second with 23 points.
TAFIC 1 (Modisane 43rd OG) Sankoyo 0
The teams:
Sankoyo: Lesego Dipateletso, Thato Jackson,Baboloki, Odirile, Kealeboga Setume, Goabane Moheto, Wabuya Aebe, Poloko Modisane, Gaongalelwe Dipateletso, Mmoloki Sheto, Kemmonye Mokgole
TAFIC: Thatayaone Thandazela, Thamani Muzila, Mompoloki Xhaubayi, Ntwakgolo Galemmone, Nengube Chakalisa, Nigel Gurure, Tillie Setlhako, Godfrey Seabelo, Modise Modipe, Moemedi Mpuchane, Mothusi Fanyana