Losses frustrate TAFIC Coach

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Tuesday April 3, 2007 00:00

After a good start, the Francistown side is going through rough patch. It lies 10th on the log with 25 points and Tamirepi is under fire from the hard-to-please supporters.

'I am not worried but rather concerned at the way we are losing,' he said. He added that tactically, his side is good but they fail to convert the numerous chances they create. He said he was forced to change his system early this year when the team was not doing well but this has not worked. He explained that he started with the 3-5-2 system but when the supporters complained, he switched to 3-4-3 in vain. 'I have changed the system but they have not stopped complaining. What do they want now? ' he quipped.

After the 2-1 defeat to Notwane at the weekend, Tamirepi cut a lonely figure as he walked out of the stadium. The seemingly frustrated coach said systems do not win games but players do. He lashed out at supporters who like complaining yet they (supporters) do not know the internal problems of the club. 

He said that for the Notwane match, he planned around Zimbabwean strikers Mlamuli Phikati and Robert Tamba only to be informed at the 11th hour that the two were not eligible to play because they do not have work permits. The player's waivers expired a few weeks ago but the team management did not prepare their papers in time.

With Mohamed Chawila on a six week sick leave, TAFIC might have scoring problems in the coming games given that Nicholas Gora's solo efforts are not enough.

Chawila is nursing a knee injury and Tamirepi fears that missing key players might increase his woes upfront. He said sometimes, the team loses because of factors beyond his control and supporters should consider this. He revealed that though there are some shortcomings, he does not have a problem with management.

Reports say the TAFIC players' are not motivated hence the poor results. Tamirepi said he cannot speak on the matter.

Contacted for comment, TAFIC spokesperson Jones Mosweu said he has not heard from the coach as to why the team is struggling. 'It is a pity that some people enjoy making noise while they do not add any value in the team and they do not even come to the ground,' he charged. He added that the coach and players have a cordial relationship. He dismissed talk that the boys are not motivated. He said they do not owe the players money. He expressed concern that the process of applying for work permits is too long hence Tamba and Phikati have missed games.

'But we are still in the league and competing,' he said. Matjimenyenga host Township Rollers this weekend and Mosweu stated that his team would pull a surprise soon.