TAFIC TIE DOWN STARS

New contracts for senior players

FIRST Division North leaders, Tafic, have moved swiftly to ward off interest from competitors and Premier League clubs, handing out new contracts to some of its star players.

Matjimenyenga’s excellent start to the season has seen the vultures circling, with several sides showing a keen interest in the team’s prized assets.

While there has been no official move for any of Tafic’s players, management didn’t want to leave anything to chance, tying down a number of the squad to long-term deals.

Free scoring striker, Modise Modipe, put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal which will see him don the red and white until June 2025.

A nephew to Tafic legend, Phuthego Modipe, the 28-yearold hitman is the club’s leading scorer with seven goals and two assists in nine games.

In what is his first season with the Reds, having joined from Mexican Dogs, Modipe continued his fine form at the weekend, bagging a brace to break Chadibe’s resistance and take Tafic back to the top of the log, where they sit one point ahead of surprise package, Mbalakalungu.

Speaking briefly to Voice Sport on Wednesday, Club Chairman, Tumelo Toteng, explained it was important to give players new contracts as a reward for their brilliant performances.

As well as Modipe, influential duo - captain, Nengube Chakalisa, and Montsi ‘Bebeto’ Dichaba - have both signed 18-month contracts.

“This is done through improving their monthly stipends. They work hard and deserve better and their welfare is of paramount importance to us,” said Toteng, adding that although the transfer window is still open, they are content with the squad they have.

“Obviously we are always on the market for the next top talent. We have been given a very good budget by Petrohyper Botswana but we have to manage it carefully,” stressed Toteng.

He said since the takeover by PH, players are better taken care of compared to last season.

“All of this is made possible by our investors, Petrohyper Botswana. They have invested heavily in player welfare. You will never hear stories about poor player welfare,” he promised.

Matyimenyenga’s road to promotion continues on Saturday with a tricky trip to the Oris Radipotsane Sports Complex in Pilikwe where third-placed Motlakase Power Dynamos lie in wait. Hot on their heels, Mbalakalungu, meanwhile, travel south for a meeting with Chadibe, who currently occupy position four in the table.