The team’s performance has seen it perched at the top of the league after 10 games with 21 points and is two points ahead of second-placed Mbalakalungu after the same number of games.
The rise of Matjimenyenga is in stark contrast to its performance last year when it survived relegation to Botswana’s third-tier league by a whisker. TAFIC was saved by BPL rookies, Eleven Angels, from relegation after the latter clobbered Mochudi Centre Chiefs 5-0 in a promotional playoff at the old Francistown Stadium.
While it is too early to pop the champagne with 10 games to go, TAFIC is optimistic about bouncing back to the top league. Asked what contributed to TAFIC’s change of fortunes, former Zebras midfielder, Mmoloki ‘BB’ Sechele, who is now TAFIC’s technical manager, said nothing drastic was altered at the club.
“We bought a number of young players before the start of this season. So far, the players have met our expectations and we hope that they will keep the same momentum until the end of the season,” said an optimistic Sechele. Another factor that Sechele attributes to the team’s current rich vein of form is the level of discipline in the team.
“The youngsters that we have signed are very disciplined, which makes the job of our coach much easier. Disciplinary problems that we used to have last year are now a thing of the past. Our hope is that the players will continue with this good and exemplary behaviour. On top of that, our coach is a father figure to the players and they give him the respect he needs,” Sechele noted.
The TAFIC legend added that because the team is playing well, its supporters have also started to attend games in satisfactory numbers. This, Sechele explained, is a boost to the players because the fans are pushing the team to win its games. “We have also found a sponsor which on its own reduces the burden of the club to meet its various obligations, especially paying the players their salaries.” With all things considered, Sechele is optimistic that the team will return to the BPL for good because of supporters and the sponsor. “We don’t want to disappoint our supporters and sponsors by not getting automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Gaining automatic promotion to the elite league will entice other sponsors to come on board and assist the club,” said Sechele. TAFIC will hope that the football gods continue smiling on them when they meet Peacemakers at the old Francistown Stadium on Sunday. Peacemakers have 10 points and are in position eight in the log standings.
In the other Saturday games, second-placed Mbalakalungu will face fourth-placed Motlakase FC at Prisons Grounds in Kasane. Rolling Guys welcome Miscellaneous at Tamasane grounds, Santa Green face Green Lovers in a Serowe derby at the Serowe Old Stadium, while Calendar Stars and Sankoyo Bush Bucks lock horns at the Caledron grounds. Highlanders travel to Chadibe. All games kick off at 3:30pm.
