TAFIC await toothless Lions in abandoned den
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday February 16, 2018 13:19
But they have since abandoned that home base and are back in Gaborone.
The second city’s council stadium is TAFIC’s slaughter house.
The Lions learnt it was a mistake to drag Matjimenyenga to the Francistown Council Stadium, where the strugglers suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first round.
Tomorrow, TAFIC will be the one taking Lions to the council stadium. Gilport are on a rebuilding mission after losing 16 players towards the end of the year.
Despite their challenges, the new look young side has proved competent, losing only once in four encounters while three ended in a draw.
Gilport are at the basement with just seven points from 16 outings, but their coach, Paradzayi Mandivenga is not ready to throw in the towel. He said they will not donate points to TAFIC or any other opponent from now on.
“A single win will turn everything around for us. We are going there for a win,” he said. “Our combinations are promising and we just need a bit of luck. It is just a matter of time,” he said.
Matjimenyenga come into the fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Police XI, but will be a different opponent in their backyard. Onkemetse Powe has settled well at the Reds of the North, with the likes of Kawushu Makai, Mbatshi Machongo and Uyapo Thibathuwe.
TAFIC coach, Razor Tsatsilebe predicts a tough encounter. He said there would pressure to deliver, but he said they have done enough work on the mental strength of the players to expunge complacency.
“Gilport has nothing to lose, we need maximum points at home and we know there is no room for complacency. Obviously it will come with a little bit of pressure, but I am sure we will do well.”
In other games, leaders, Township Rollers welcome Police XI to the UB Stadium tonight. Rollers are keen to tighten their grip ahead of their trip to Sudan next week.
Orapa United, who have found their groove will be up against Black Forest in Molepolole tomorrow. Coach Bongani Mafu will be on the bench after receiving his permit. BDF XI host Jwaneng Galaxy at the Botswana Police College Stadium in Otse.
Galaxy are second and want to stay in touch with Rollers, while the army side want to be in the top four.
Miscellaneous will look to continue their good run when they welcome Sankoyo Bush Bucks in Serowe. Security Systems face fallen Mochudi Centre Chiefs who are at the wrong side of the table.
On Sunday, Gaborone United play Sharps Shooting Stars in a Gaborone derby at the Molepolole Sports Complex. Relegation threatened Flamingo Santos face Extension Gunners in Lobatse.