In a tight, tense contest between two evenly matched teams, Tafic popped up with some late magic to derail BR Highlanders and ensure they finish the year top of the First Division North.
Seven games in and, although it would be unwise to make any definite predications at this stage of the season, the Reds look the real deal.
For Matjimenyenga’s long-suffering fans, it is a world away from the turmoil and hurt that has defined much of 2022 – and indeed much of the last three years!
Relegated to the lower leagues after a miserable campaign in which they managed just four wins all season, Tafic were handed a late lifeline by fellow Francistowners, Eleven Angels’ Premier League heroics.
Gratefully grabbing their shot at redemption, the rampant Reds have not looked back since.
After avoiding the unthinkable and securing their First Division status in the three-team regional play-offs in Serowe at the end of July, Tafic’s revival is gathering momentum.
With several shrewd additions to the playing squad, under the guidance of the experienced, Mohambi Saulosi, and a soon-to-be unveiled mystery investor with pockets that reportedly run deep, optimism at the club is sky high.
There was cause for further smiles at the Old Stadium on Saturday, when an 88th minute header from substitute, Morebodi Nzongeni, saw Tafic snatch all three points at the death and inflict a first loss of the season on Highlanders.
The late drama was in stark contrast to the inauspicious start to the match, with kick-off delayed by over half-an-hour as the referee deemed the grass to be too long and a lawn-mower was hastily called for.
Once play finally got underway, the first-half proved a feisty affair, with the tackles flying in hard and fast.
However, although both teams moved the ball well, there was precious little goal-mouth action on show – one unimpressed supporter was overheard remarking the grass-cutting had been more exciting than the football!
Fortunately the entertainment factor improved markedly in the second-half.
It was the Mahalapye outfit, seeking an immediate return to the top flight after last season’s relegation, who looked the more likely to break the deadlock.
Making amends for losing the ball in the build-up, it took a brilliant last ditch tackle from home Captain, Nengube Chakalisa to deny Moshe Tlhaolang a shot when through on goal, the striker delaying a fraction too long.
Standing in for the absent Saulosi, Lovemore Mokgweetsi responded by making a double substitution, bringing on fan favourite, Montsi Dichaba and Keabetswe Tiego in the 55th minute.
The new energy up-front made a difference for Tafic as both teams pushed for the breakthrough.
In the end, the game was ultimately decided by a tale of two contrasting headers.
Picked out perfectly from a long free-kick, Kemoreng Batisane found himself inexplicably unmarked in the heart of the Tafic box.
From just three metres out, the lanky forward seemed destined to score, directing his header firmly into the ground.
He was denied by the superb reflexes of Thayaone Thandazela, the young keeper reacting instinctively to save with his feet.
In his first outing of the season, it could prove a career defining moment for Thandazela, and capped a fine afternoon for the highly-rated shot-stopper.
The save seemed to inspire Tafic and they began to attack with renewed vigor.
With full-time looming, and with only their second shot on target, Matjimenyenga forced the fixture’s only goal.
From a disputed corner, with Highlanders crying ‘foul’ in the build-up, Dichaba found his fellow substitute, Nzongeni with an in-swinging cross.
Bravely beating his man to the ball at the near post, Nzongeni, who had barely been on the pitch ten minutes, somehow managed to twist his body, expertly angling the ball into the top corner from the tightest of angles.
It was the striker’s first goal for the club and the relief in his celebrations told.
Stunned, Highlanders had no time to hit back, Coach, Wame Mokoke’s players sinking to their knees in disbelief when the final whistle blew.
In contrast, Tafic, who have now won their last five games on the bounce, rejoiced as if they had won the league; they haven’t and there’s still a long, long way to go but their Christmas Holidays will be all the sweeter!
MATCH STATS
TAFIC (0) 1 BR HIGHLANDERS (0) 0
(Nzongeni 88)
51% POSSESSION 49%
8 SHOTS 9
2 ON TARGET 4
9 CORNERS 8
0 OFFSIDE 1
14 FOULS 12
0 0 CARDS 1 0
HOW THEY SAW IT
LOVEMORE MOKGWEETSI
“This was probably our toughest test to date. Unlike in our other matches where we created many chances, this time opportunities were few. After a cautious first half, we realized we could get at their wing backs. We made some chances, bringing on pace down the wings and playing two up top and that made the difference. Special mention to our second choice keeper, Thayaone, who really stepped up. He made some crucial saves and was one of our best players.”
KABO DINTWA
“We played well for most of the game and could have easily won. This is football though, if you don’t take your chances you get punished and that’s what happened. From our side, the goal was a disappointing one to concede. The cross came across the six-yard box, which should be the goalkeeper’s territory; he has to be stronger when coming for the ball! It’s our first loss so we shouldn’t be too disheartened – we learn and we move on!”