TAFIC FC PROMOTION
Sitting pretty at the top of the DFDN league with 41 points, TAFIC needs just four more points to guarantee their spot in the premier league. And with a crucial match coming up this Sunday against Chadibe FC, who are currently in second place with 35 points, TAFIC’s promotion is well within their grasp.
But despite the mounting pressure and high expectations, TAFIC head coach Thatayaone Sonny remains grounded and level- headed, emphasizing the team’s humility and optimism in their quest for promotion.
“I consider our game against Chadibe a six pointer and we are going to prepare for it just like we have doing with our past games; obviously we can’t ignore the fact that Chadibe FC have been doing well lately and they will be home therefore we anticipate a tough game. Nonetheless, we will fight hard for a positive result,” Sonny said.
Coach Sonny popularly known as Uncle joined TAFIC two months ago taking over from Mohambi Saulos, according to the current coach he said that the team was already on the right track even though he had to bring few changes to match his style of play.
“I was given the ultimatum to get the team to the premier league which was pressure on itself more so that TAFIC is a big Club. But that did not worry me because I knew my capabilities since I had been with Eleven Angels when it was Promoted, I already know what to expect and mentally I’m ready to deliver,” Sonny noted.
He said that he already managed three consecutive wins, played a nil all draw in a derby game, followed by a 1 all draw away to Highlanders in Mahalapye.
“My first drill with TAFIC was focused on the forward movement more especially from the midfielders. I noticed ( before I joined them) that they were playing more flat passes and it took them more time to reach the opposition’s goal posts. I worked on that, and it bore fruits, 9 goals in 3 games and No goal against,” he said.
Over the decade now, TAFIC have spent time alternating between the premier league and the first division. Last season they almost relegated to the division one league but survived after eleven angels were promoted to the elite league, leaving a free slot in the first division north league
This has largely been attributed to lack of funds and reluctance to commercialise the club.
TAFIC Communication and Marketing Manager Kabelo Dipholo told this publication in an interview this week that getting promotion to the Premier League has never been a difficult thing for TAFIC, the challenge has always been staying in the league. “This time we want to stay and be a team we’re supposed to be, we should be challenging for every silver- ware available just like we used to, the bigger picture is to bring back TAFIC where it belongs,” Dipholo said.
He said that the team now is in good hands of their investor Petrohyper ( PH) which holds major stake of the club, 90percent of the shares while the club supporters retains a 10 percent stake.
“The Company now takes care of all the team’s financial needs, and as the executive committee, we run the team on their behalf. Players’ welfare is well taken care- of and are fully focused on football, and they never have to worry about minor things such as soccer boots or bus fares like before,” he said.
Dipholo said that the supporters are fully behind the team and have given the PH takeover a thumb up saying that even the Attendance at matches is at an all- time high. Branches are being resuscitated, and all branches have been given a mandate to register new members.