TAFIC boss defiant despite costly draw
If TAFIC Football Club is to become only the second club from the north to win the Premier League, then we have an exceptional football story yet to be written. Matjimenyenga boys would need the solar system to align, and the total collapse of both Gaborone United and Jwaneng Galaxy, currently in first and second positions respectively, to have a shot at the championship.
The Francistown giants’ historic league triumph now hangs on ‘what ifs’ following a disappointing draw against seventh-placed Morupule Wanderers in front of a very nervous fanbase at the Old Francistown Stadium. Needing maximum points to keep up with the leading pack of GU and Galaxy, Matjimenyenga dropped the ball at a crucial moment.
The Reds started unusually slow for a team chasing history, allowing Wanderers to get close to their goal posts in quick succession. For a petroleum-sponsored outfit, coach Elias Chinyemba’s side appeared to be running on empty; the usual energy was not there, save for striker Jean Lwamba and left back Shaun Phillips, who ran themselves ragged.
Phillips’ marauding runs on the flanks and Lwamba’s direct play caused a few problems for the coal boys. Their efforts were rewarded in the 40th minute when Lwamba received a ball a few meters from the 18-yard area and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net, sending the Reds faithful into a frenzy.
Could this goal spark another TAFIC masterclass?
Nope. Players wilted, and Morupule threatened a couple of times before halftime. Early in the second half, the Palapye outfit was the first to settle, knocking the ball around confidently, only to be thwarted by TAFIC’s rock-solid defense. The visitors’ persistent pressure, however, paid off just seven minutes into the second half when Bonang Theetso volleyed into the top corner for a deserved equalizer.
The nervousness from the stands was palpable. A few Reds shifted anxiously on the concrete seats, chewing their nails as Wanderers piled on the pressure. Sensing that the match was slipping away, Coach Chinyemba made a triple substitution, bringing on striker Modise Modipe, Thatayaone Nkwapa and Gauthier Kalombo.
The change seemed to work, as the home team fashioned a couple of chances, only to be let down by poor finishing. Lwamba was still the danger man but was at times guilty of holding on to the ball for too long and losing possession unnecessarily. However, for a player who has often been the difference, very few can question his commitment. With a golden boot award within reach, Lwamba is fighting on two fronts. In the end, despite his trickery and effort, including taking long throws, TAFIC had to settle for a draw, losing ground to both United and Galaxy.
Modipe could’ve won it in the dying minutes, but chose to bring down a floated pass instead of just guiding it into the net.
Now with just two matches remaining against Extension Gunners on Saturday, and Nico United a week later, Chinyemba and his team cannot afford to drop any points.
According to recent standings (as of May 17, 2025), Gaborone United is in first place with 63 points from 29 games. TAFIC is in second with 59 points from 29 games, and Jwaneng Galaxy is in third with 58 points from 29 games. TAFIC is four points behind leaders Gaborone United and one point adrift of Jwaneng Galaxy. While the article states they are two points behind Galaxy, current data shows a one-point difference after their recent draw. TAFIC needs to win all their remaining matches and hope for a miracle. With Galaxy and GU still to face each other, and a Gaborone derby in the last day of the 2024/25 season, the Francistown giants have every reason to believe that their season is not over yet.
“We’re still in it,” was Chinyemba’s bold proclamation at the end of the 90 minutes. “Our mission is still the same. I’m confident we’ll regroup and find a way to collect six points,” he said.
Chinyemba said his players lacked energy against Morupule, which gave their opponents confidence to attack them. “We were not quick in closing down our opponents. We gave them space, which created problems for us,” Chinyemba explained.
His opposing manager, whose team has secured seventh place after an impressive run in the second round, said the match was tough as he had expected. “Unfortunately, for two teams playing a passing game, the surface was rough and affected our play,” said Wanderers coach Agang Mogotsi. The gaffer praised his players for coming to what has become a TAFIC fortress and earning a result. “We had a good first half. TAFIC scored against the run of play through a moment of brilliance from Lwamba. There’s nothing we can do about that,” admitted Mogotsi.
Is there something TAFIC can do about their title race, or did the dream die under a heap of burning coal at the bumpy old Council Stadium? Time will soon tell!
