TAFIC head coach, Dominic Changwe, has no doubt that his side can avoid relegation if they show the same fighting spirit displayed in their shock 1-0 win over champions-elect Mochudi Centre Chiefs at Molepolole Sports Stadium on Thursday night.
TAFIC went home with maximum points after a first-half strike from Holiness Mlilo sealed the win for the struggling northern giants.
The win leaves the Red Devils sitting on the 10th spot with 27 points from 23 games. The victory surely serves as a boost for TAFIC in their efforts to get out of the relegation mess.
Coming into this game, TAFIC had gone four games without a win, something which had started to bring panic to their camp. In their last game before they met Chiefs, TAFIC were hammered 6-0 by BDF XI at SSKB Stadium in Mogoditshane on April 6.
┬á“I’m proud of my boys; they really showed character today after that humiliating defeat at the hands of BDF XI. These boys have potential and we’re working as a unit. They’ve noticed that I’m a man of God and they just wanted to play for me. I have no doubt that through the power of God, we can pull out from this mess (relegation),” said Changwe as he walked out of the field, much to the appreciation of TAFIC fans and well-wishers.
The Zambian-born tactician said they were aware that the odds were against them going into their game against Chiefs. The defending champions are second on the table with 46 points from 21 games.
“We knew what we’ll be up against and we prepared thoroughly for them. Our plan was not to allow Chiefs to enjoy much possession because they’re dangerous side. We limited them to playing long balls, which in the end we knew would frustrate them,” Changwe added.
He pointed out that their other advantage was that Chiefs were tired after the long drive from Lumbubashi, Democratic Republic of Congo to Gaborone. Chiefs had travelled to DRC for their second leg of the CAF Champions League First Round tie against TP Mazembe which they lost 7-0 on aggregate.
Changwe has called on Good Samaritans to come and help the financially-strapped side in their bid to remain in top flight.
TAFIC players, including Changwe, are reported to have gone for months without getting their salaries, something which has affected their performances. “These boys have potential but they just need financial motivation to pull through. I’m calling on the Good Samaritans to come and rescue us,” he said with a sad face.
TAFIC’s remaining games are against ECCO City Greens, BR Highlanders, BMC, Extension Gunners, Uniao Flamengo Santos, Township Rollers and Gaborone United.
