TAFIC ready to cash in on star players
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday January 14, 2025 12:44
The team has enjoyed a good start to the 2024-2025 FNB Premiership season. Over the weekend, they maintained their position at the top with 0-0 draw away to champions, Jwaneng Galaxy. Rain interrupted the match played at the Galaxy Stadium. The tie had to be halted eight minutes before halftime as the pitch became waterlogged. At the time, both sides were struggling to coordinate their normal attacking approaches. The home side had difficulties with starting play from the back as the simple passes game was affected while on the other hand, TAFIC, playing against the wind tried to catch their opponents on the break. After a nearly 40-minute delay and efforts by both teams to remove water patches from the pitch, the two teams returned to play as fans sought refuge under whatever cover to catch a glimpse of the much anticipated tie. Under much improved conditions, the game sparked into life in the second half but on a slippery surface both teams were left to rue the chances as they settled for a draw.
The surprise leaders, TAFIC will struggle to keep hold of their star players as bigger teams look to pounce. Congolese striker and leading goal scorer, Jean Lwamba put another inspiring performance as he continues to impress. He is being tipped with a move to a big club alongside Manda Nongo despite the duo having spent only six months in the local league. Influential players including Shaun Phillip, Thatayaone Nkwapa and Modise Modipe are also linked with moves away from the club.
The team’s head coach, Elias Chinyemba, told SportMonitor that the club is ready to cash on the star players as they look to youthful replacements. “We were busy during the Christmas break. We did not enjoy Christmas, as we were running around Francistown looking for youngsters and we have been able to assemble a couple, around five and they are training with us. At TAFIC what we do is we give opportunity to players so that they market themselves and get better opportunities. Look, we have big teams in this country who can pay these players very well. At TAFIC if the offer is good, we will let you leave,” said Chinyemba
The teams
Galaxy: Victor James, Doctor David, Lesego Kereedilwe, Tebogo Kopelang, Tlamelo Kolagano, Mxolisi Mkhonto, Dynamo Fredericks, Gilbert Baruti, Thero Setsile, Thabang Sesinyi, Omaatla Kebatho
TAFIC: Tshepo Mooketsi, Rebaone Joseph, Shanganani Nganda, Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi, Shaun Phillip, Manda Nongo, Theo Shadikong, Gauthier Kalombo, Thatayaone Nkwapa, Jean Lwamba, Amogelang Reetsang