Sonny was speaking on Saturday after TAFIC played to a goalless draw in the Debswana First Division North (FDN) league clash against Calendar Stars. TAFIC are almost guaranteed promotion to the elite league. They lead the FDN league by eight points, with five matches remaining. TAFIC have lost only two games out of 17 matches this season.
They might win promotion to the Premier League if they win their next match and their closest challengers faulter. “My message to the boys has always been that they should not get carried away by our good form. I constantly emphasise that we should take it one game at a time. If the players start thinking about being in the Premier League, they will lose focus.
The goal is to win the league convincingly. We are not yet there,” Sonny said in a post-match interview. He added: “The atmosphere in the group is very cordial. The players are humble. The respect between me and them is very mutual. That is why I believe they did not struggle to grasp my philosophy.” The former Eleven Angels assistant coach also had a message to his detractors. Sonny replaced Mohambi Saulos last month after the latter had fallen out with the club executive.
His appointment was not widely accepted because there were those who questioned his abilities. Sonny has presided over four matches so far winning three and drawing one. Before he took over, the club had opened a four-point gap in the FDN. “They must judge me at the end of the season. I trust my capabilities. I have coached lower division clubs in Kasane and did well. I won promotion to the Premier League with Eleven Angels. Coaching is also about learning. I will keep on learning.
There is a lot of room for improvement.” Meanwhile, Chadibe FC were among the biggest winners in the FDN this weekend. Their 5-0 home victory against Rolling Guys took them to the second play-off position. They now have 31 points from 17 matches. Meanwhile, Mahalapye-based BR Highlanders were relegated to the third position after suffering a 1-0 loss to Sankoyo Bush Bucks. Highlanders have also played 17 matches and are two points behind Chadibe FC. Green Lovers were also among the biggest winners on Saturday. Their 3-2 home win against rookies, Mbalakalungu, took them out of the relegation zone. They now have 15 points.
Peacemakers also recorded a vital win against Santa Green, which temporarily took them out of the relegation zone (position 10). Their win pushed Rolling Boys to the second relegation spot (11th position). Peacemakers enjoy a healthy goal difference than Rolling Boys. The Saturday results also moved Miscellaneous to the last position of the league, a point behind Peace Makers and Rolling Boys. Miscellaneous are on 13 points. However, they were to play Motlakase Power Dynamos yesterday and a positive result for them means that Peacemakers and Rolling Boys will remain in the relegation zone.
