TAFIC Coach Hails Players' Resilience
Chakalisa Dube | Monday April 8, 2019 12:06
TAFIC boosted their promotion bid with a hard fought 3-2 victory over their arch-rivals in a well-attended clash. This has left City Greens in a much more precarious position as they are now not safe from relegation as they have 19 points.
The hosts took the lead as early as the first minute through former City Greens forward Upoga Dekesha before Michael Murwira added the second in the 19th minute.
The score was 2-2 at the break. Bakang Malabola reduced the deficit for the visitors in the 26th minute before Atholang Jeremane levelled matters a minute before half time.
Another former City Greens forward Mogomotsi Samson sealed the game for TAFIC midway through the second stanza.
“The players showed character and maturity. We played a very determined side, but my players were resilient in all aspect. If we continue displaying such kind of resilience I am convinced that we will emerge champions at the end of the season, “ he said in his post match reaction.
He added, “The boys really gave me a very solid performance. I am convinced they have what it takes to win the league.
We have experience and the personnel that will help us survive the last two games, which will be characterised by pressure especially from the supporters who want us to win promotion to the premier league. “
The victory now means TAFIC’s points tally is at 51 while Morupule Wanderers have 49-points with two matches remaining. TAFIC may even gain promotion to the elite league if they win their next match and Wanderers fail to get maximum points.
It was a defining weekend for many First Division teams in the northern part of the country.
Wanderers’ victory over the weekend now means that Sua Flamingoes have lost their mathematical chance of going to the play-offs although the latter won their match 4-0 against a visiting Motlakase. Flamingoes can only accumulate a maximum of 48 provided they win their last two matches.
Meanwhile in the bottom half of the table, Palapye All Stars and Real Movers avoided automatic relegation after they recorded victories on Saturday. The two teams currently occupy the two automatic relegation positions.
All Stars defeated Green Lovers with a solitary goal in Palapye. Had All Stars lost the match they could have faced the possibility of being relegated depending on result of Sunday fixtures.
They are currently on 15 points two points behind Great North Tigers who were yet play at the time of going press.
Bottom placed Real Movers also rekindled their survival bid with a hard-fought victory over league rookies Eleven Angels in Selebi Phikwe.
Resurgence Movers have 14 points. This was their second win in a row against top-placed opponents.
Two weeks ago they dented Wanderers’ chances of automatic promotion. They beat the latter 3-1 in an away encounter.