01 Jul 2015

Ecco City Greens were crowned champions of the Dlala Bolo tournament in Francistown after beating Tafic 2-1 over the weekend.

The two teams started the game on a low note as they both failed to utilise the scoring opportunities they had in the first half.

Tafic had an upper hand and as the game progressed, but they failed to convert the scoring opportunities that came their way.

Ecco City Greens, who recorded fewer chances, managed to use their scoring opportunities through Onkgolotse Senatla after Tafic goalkeeper, Thatayaone Thandazela failed to deal with a ball which bounced back from a free kick giving Ecco the chance to take a one goal lead.

After this goal, Tafic’s Bakani Kangangwane and Amantle Boikhutso pulled one back hardly 10 minutes before the end of the second half.

Mofokeng doubled his team’s lead when he scored in the second half. Tafic tried to put more pressure in the dying minutes in an attempt to level the score but failed to convert the two chances they had.

Yasir Investment managing director, Goitsemodimo Mokoti who organised the tournament, said the games were meant to give the teams match practice since it is off season.

He said this year they focused only on two teams rather than four excluding Great North Tigers and Tasc.

Mokoti said engaging many teams resulted in them losing focus which is to reclaim the glory of Francistown by staging a derby between the two popular teams.

However, he highlighted that they were happy with the turnout and also said one of the objectives of the tournament is to help the teams prepare for next season to restore the fans’ faith and confidence.

Head coach, Atshele Molapi and his assistant appreciated and applauded the organisers for the tournament saying it came at the right time when the transfer window is open.
This, he said, gave them an opportunity to try new players for the 2014/2015 season.

The Ecco coach said winning the tournament is a bonus noting that the games act as preparation for the first division league and has enabled him to field new players.
He also said that they lost players due to lack of finances to pay them.

He encouraged players not only to look for high salaries, but also to look for a team that can give them an opportunity to play.

Though Tafic lost the game, the coach said it was a good game and his players performed well adding that this showed that he has a good team to work with in the upcoming season.
He said Tafic’s aim is to win the league and get promoted to premier league.

The tournament was sponsored by Buy ‘n Build which was the main sponsor, Pick n Pay supermarket, Crystal Aura, Ken Collection and an individual sponsor, Mr Andy Boatile.
The winners of the tournament walked away with P10 000, a trophy and medals while the runners-up got P5 000 and medals. Ends