Battling TAFIC turns to Maygillip
Chakalisa Dube | Friday October 12, 2018 12:36
“We recently had a meeting with him and he gave us some interesting tips on how we can turn the fortunes of the club around. He has promised that he will always be available when we need advice and we will also engage him more often,” Sebina told a press briefing at Adansonia Hotel this week.
Although, Sebina did not reveal much about their meeting with Maygillip, he said the former backer was willing to work with them revive the team.
In the late 1980s to early 1990s under the leadership of Maygillip, TAFIC was one of the most organised teams in the elite league. It was a dream of every footballer growing up in the north to don the famous red and white jersey. However, since Maygillip left TAFIC owing to internal politics, the club has not experienced peace. TAFIC has been rocked by financial problems for years.
The club has even spent years alternating between the Premier League and the First Division. TAFIC however has successfully managed to reduce its wage bill by more than half, according to Sebina. “Our wage bill has been reduced to around P54,000 from P120,000. We reduced the wage bill in order to adjust to life in the First Division,” he said. Sebina said the club, which currently has 180 registered supporters, is targeting 20, 000 by February 2019.
“We are currently in talks with an insurance company with regards to having policies that will be for TAFIC members. We have also entered into talks with a local bank to have a TAFIC debit card. Talks are at an advanced stage and we will be launching the two initiatives soon,” he said, adding that such incentives will help attract members to the club.
Sebina also said the club has successfully secured an office space to run its operations. He said a local security company sponsored the office for two years. The company will also provide internet and telephone services.
“We are also at an advanced stage of engaging a driver messenger and an administrator to run the office. Some people have volunteered to run the office for us,” he noted.
He added that the club would soon launch a technical sponsor. “We are in talks with two potential sponsors. We will choose the right sponsor soon.”