19 Aug 2024

The giants of the north, TAFIC FC are the champions of the SC Soccer Challenge after beating Selebi Phikwe based Nico United 2-1 in the final.

Four teams, Eleven Angels FC, Chadibe FC, Nico United FC and TAFIC FC participated in the tournament, which is the third since inception in 2022. 

TAFIC advanced to the finals after beating Eleven Angels FC 2-0 in the semi finals, while Nico United FC managed a 7-6 win over Chadibe FC after penalty shootout. 

The two sides had played to a goalless draw at full time. 

TAFIC pocketed P25 000 while Nico went home P15 000 richer as the runner-up. Both Chadibe and Eleven Angels got P5 000 each after the loser’s finals. 

TAFIC and Nico went to recess with TAFIC leading 1-0, courtesy of Montsi Dichaba. The second goal, which gave them a 2-0 lead in the second half, was scored Diwanga Pilatwe.  

However, in the dying minutes of the second half, Nico received a blessing from God and Mogul Kgomo scored a brilliant goal from a telling cross. 

The organiser of the tournament and Francistown businessman, Carlos Sebina, said in a post-match interview that the games went as planned.

 He explained that the two activations they had played part in a positive turnout or attendance of spectators in this year’s event. 

Sebina further explained that this time around, they introduced TAFIC, which was one of the football giants in the north and also from the elite league, to make the tournament more attractive. 

He said what was more interesting was that all the teams that have participated in this pre-season tournament in the past have been promoted to the elite league, citing Chadibe FC. 

Sebina said the ultimate goal was also to have teams from across the borders ‘but this would be possible if funds are available’. 

He said the purpose of the tournament was to develop players at grassroot level and make the game of football more attractive. 

Sebina said the other objective was to make Francistown, a sporting hub, noting that sporting facilities were available in the second city. 

He said sporting events had a huge attraction as compared to other non-sporting activities, hence using sport to bring people together. 

However, he regretted that this year's tournament lacked medals due to financial constraints. 

He said winning teams would receive their dues in due course. Nico assistant coach, Patrick Molefe accepted the defeat saying though participating for the second time, it was a learning curve for his team.

 TAFIC assistant coach, Thatayaone Sonny, said the tournament served as a preparatory event for the next season.

 He hoped that his team would not disappoint in the next season. Ends