19 Feb 2018

Tafic Football Club have only themselves to blame for failing to capitalise on a directionless Gilport Lions and collect maximum points in a BTC premiership encounter at the Francistown Old Stadium on Saturday.

 Starting the game as favourites against a team dogged by numerous off the field problems in the first round, Tafic’s patchy display continued to haunt them as they failed to break the Lions rearguard even when the goalkeeper was off position.

 The game ended in a stalemate with both teams getting a goal apiece in each half. Machimenyenga Boys, as the team is affectionately christened by its legion of supporters might live to regret the lost two points as the season draws to its final stretch with teams at the bottom half of the league fighting for survival.

Fielding a full strength squad save for the suspended defensive kingpin, Samuel Phiri ,Tafic raided the Lions defence for the entire duration of the game but were let down by their offensive players who either shot off target or failed to hit the back of the net.

 In the absence of the suspended coaching duo of Rapelang Tsatsilebe and Wrist Mmusi, Machimenyenga looked out of sorts despite an array of opportunities that came their way.

The Francistown outfit’s return to the elite league has been characterised by inconsistent displays, despite notching some fine draws away from home which offered their supporters hope that they were here to stay.

 The game itself was not a boring affair as the evergreen Onkemetse Powe put up a scintillating show with his crafty ball skills from the left flank and supplied effective crosses which were wasted by their central strikers, the main culprit being Upoga Dekesha.

 Kawashu Makai also notched up a brilliant performance mesmerizing the opposition with his fancy footwork which left them dazzled in the middle of the park.

 All these efforts were however in vain as Tafic failed to hit the back of Tshomarelo More’s net in Lions goal. Tafic could have taken the lead early in the game but Michael Murirwa missed a golden opportunity to bury a perfect cross as his low drive went off the mark.

 Not long after, Makai sold a dummy to Tumisang Sekanonyane and attempted a solo effort, lashing a pile driver which was easily dealt with by More.

However, it was Tafic who had the best chances for the remainder of the first half forcing the Lions defence manned by the experienced Sekanonyane and Otlantshekela Mooketsi to stay on their toes. Mooketsi struggling at times, found it difficult to deal with the pace of the Tafic attackers. The Francistown outfit was however, disorganized at the back and many times were found ball watching when faced with dangerous situations.

Midway through the first half lady luck smiled on Tafic as Thuso Nganunu fouled Powe inside the penalty area earning the Ghetto Boys a spot kick.

Makai converted from the spot kick to give Tafic the lead. Makai who was in his element was the busiest player on the field collecting balls deep at the back distributing and shooting at goal.  Lions on the other hand had few chances and Emang Tlhasenyana ballooned a perfect chance way off Lesego Bosekeng’s goal.

 Nganunu was given marching orders after a second bookable offence leaving Lions with 10 men on the field. In the second half Tafic started like a house on fire with Powe lauching attack after attack and tested More’s reflexes to no avail.

 Dekesha saw three of his headed attempts go wide. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Gilport Lions pressed the Tafic defence and out of the goal mouth melee, Stephen Sibanda pounced on a cross unmarked to score the equalizer. Tafic never recovered from conceding and their desperation saw them miss clear cut chances with only the goalkeeper to beat.

 Sekanonyane and Uyapo Thibathuwe were cautioned for dangerous play. The remainder of the second half passed without incident although Tafic could have squeezed a winning goal as Mbatshi Elias missed a golden opportunity as he found himself unmarked in front of the goalkeeper.

Tafic assistant coach, Kutlwano Ramolemoge said in an interview that they need to work on their urgency in front of goal if they are to win matches. Lions coach, Mandivenga Paradzayi on the other hand praised his inexperienced side and said for them the result was a win.

 Playing with one man down, he explained that it was always going to be difficult against an opponent like Tafic. “We have not lost hope. This is a young team save for two experienced players, all the boys come from the lower leagues,” he added. He also said they were looking at strengthening the squad with two players who were still awaiting work permits. Ends