17 Oct 2013

Tafic’s new head coach, Darlington Dodo believes his team would turn the corner after they held Gaborone United to a goalless draw at the SSKB on October 16.

Dodo was appointed two weeks ago to steer the ship out of troubled waters after the Francistown club lost its opening five be Mobile Premier League matches. Even though they suffered another defeat in the Francistown derby against Ecco City Greens last week, Dodo said the draw against GU would boost his players’ confidence.

“It is a positive result for us. My team comprises of inexperienced young players but I am confident they would adapt to the premier league. We would put everything into it to make sure that we collect more points,” said the Zimbabwean born coach.

Gaborone United, which also came into the match looking to redeem themselves after a poor start to the season that left head coach David Bright reeling under pressure, attacked from the onset and hit the post through striker Tebogo Sembowa in the 13th minute.

But Tafic recovered and started to impose themselves into the match with midfielder Tafadzwa Maingire looking impressive, even though they failed to trouble GU goalkeeper Noah Maposa.

GU turned the screw in the second half but missed a glut of opportunities. Ronald Chikomo fluffed a sitter while Sembowa touched a Mandla Mgadla cross wide.  They finally found the back of the net twice but both efforts by Mgadla and Mathews Moruti were ruled offside, helping Tafic to escape with a draw.

“The early season losses had drained confidence from the players. So when I arrived I worked more on improving their confidence. I told them to come out and enjoy themselves and it worked we played more freely,” said Dodo.

The draw helped Tafic move one place up the log standings from rock bottom ahead of their home league fixture with Miscellaneous on Saturday, October 19.
Other October 19 Premier League fixtures: Wonder Sporting Club v FC Satmos (SSKB), BMC v Ecco City Greens (Lobatse Stadium), Orapa United v Motlakase (Itekeng Stadium).

October 20 fixtures: Extension Gunners v UF Santos (Lobatse Stadium), BDF XI v Notwane (SSKB), Mochudi Centre Chiefs v Nico United (UB Stadium). Kick-Off is 4pm. Ends