Makwengwe lauds new signings
Chakalisa Dube | Monday January 29, 2024 15:16
TAFIC recently signed seasoned campaigners who include goalkeeper Katlego Mbise, defensive midfielder, Ronnie Leagetse from archrivals Eleven Angels and Onkabetse Mankgantai from Gaborone United. Mankgantai is considered TAFIC’s greatest signing in over a decade.
He was officially unveiled by Matjimenyenga on Friday after intense speculation linking him to the club. The former GU forward was introduced early in the second half against Matebele while Leagetse played the entire match but Mbise is yet to feature. “Individually they are good players with a different style of play.
Today we had work for them. They will gel,” Makwengwe said. “The three players will form the backbone of the team. I have Mbise in goals, a highly experienced goalkeeper. Leagetse, very good as you saw today. Mankgantai, experienced as well. I did not want to play him today, but I introduced him so that he could feel the atmosphere.
He could not give me beyond what he gave today, but I think the next game he will be better. I believe the three players will be very decisive for us.” Makwengwe also explained the rationale behind giving Leagetse the role of captain on his debut, a move that surprised many fans.
“It was motivation. Sometimes there is self-development. If you give the player the responsibility, he will cut away the negative part of his character. He is known to be a problem child. I will continue to give him the captain's role until he gels.” Meanwhile, TAFIC’s solitary goal came in the 71st minute from Kitso Mpuisang who slotted the ball past an advancing Karamelo Kgosipula. That was after he was left unchecked in the goal area. Overall, it was a match in which the two teams struggled to play. Makwengwe attributed the slow pace of the game to the thick grass at the stadium, which he said was too heavy for the players. On the other hand, Matebele coach Elias Chinyemba said the sluggish pace of the game might have been caused by lack of match fitness due to the prolonged league break.
The teams
TAFIC: Thatayaone Thandazela, Thamani Muzila, Arnold Obuseng, Kemoneetse Mangwedi, Shanganani Ngada, Leagetse, Rebaone Joseph (Mankgantai), Theo Shadikong, Thabiso Bante, Vincent Lekorwe
Matebele: Karamelo Kgosipula, Bernard Kebotseng, Utlwang Ramakgathi (Dirang Pilane), Osego Lesetedi, Maatla Magosha, Alohius Selefho, Obonye Moswate, Romeo Kasume (Bonno Mosea), Kgosietsile Ernest (Molelowamodimo), Kemoreng Batisani (McCartney Naweseb),Thabo Maponda (Omphile Magale)
TAFIC 1 (Mpuisang 71st) Matebele 0