TAFIC, Rollers in Premiership icebreaker
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday September 22, 2017 15:33
The game will be played at the Francistown Sports Complex at 3pm. After three years in the doldrums, the pride of Francistown mounted a spirited comeback in the past season to gain promotion back to the top flight.
At the end of their campaign, most TAFIC supporters said they wanted their first game to be against Rollers.
That wish has been granted. The odds are against the home side as Popa are by far well established. Statistics are not also favourable to Matjimenyenga. In the past five league meetings, TAFIC have lost three times, won and drew once. Before demotion, TAFIC lost 3-1 to Rollers. Their last win against the Blues came in December 2012 when the Francistown side triumphed 2-1.
The last three games played in Francistown including the TAFIC win were close encounters, with Rollers scoring four goals while TAFIC found the net three times.
In the past two seasons when they claimed back-to-back titles, Popa have been a side to make their intentions clear in the opening game. In 2015/2016 campaign, they demolished BDF X1 4-1 and the following season dismantled Mochudi Centre Chiefs 5-1. TAFIC’s new coach, Maxwell ‘Malume’ Moyo is also not a lucky man against Popa. He was once at the end of a heavy 6-1 while still in charge of Orapa United.
While at Police X1, he triumphed once in a 1-0 Mascom Top 8 cup encounter after a 4-1 defeat in the first leg fixture. Last season, while working behind the scenes at Mahalapye Hotspurs, he was at the receiving end of 4-0 defeats both home and away. Matjimenyenga will pin their hopes in the attacking combinations of Zimbabwean striker Makai Kawashu and midfielder Ocean Mpofu.
The duo is expected to complement tried and tested marksman, Mbatshi Elias, a trident that has the potential to intimidate the Popa defence.
TAFIC assistant coach, Elias Chinyemba said the new players have fitted like a glove in hand in the squad thanks to a prolonged pre-season. He said the financial hiccups are a story of the past and the team is well motivated. He said the fact that the clash against Rollers was long announced has given his side enough time to focus.
Chinyemba said they will be cautious in their approach.
“This is going to be a big game and we have long waited for it. We had enough time to ask ourselves questions about Rollers and answer them,” he said.
“We have done our homework on their style of play and we will be happy to sit cautiously. In terms of motivation, the players got it in double dose; from the magnitude of the game itself and the promised bonuses if they do well. We have long waited for the league start and we are ready for the weekend.” No comment could be obtained from the Rollers’ technical department at press time.