TAFIC, Galaxy in must win encounter
BTC premiership contenders Jwaneng Galaxy are expected to meet the Francistown based side of TAFIC Sporting Club today (Wednesday) at Jwaneng Stadium in BTC Premiership fixture. Galaxy are expected to be aggressive and push for maximum points during the game. A crucial win against TAFIC will see Galaxy swiftly move up the log and stand on par with rivals Township Rollers with 49 points each. Rollers dropped points after failing to contain the unpredictable Orapa United this past Monday at Itekeng Stadium. Popa succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. Galaxy will be hoping to advantage and catch up with the title favourites.
The 2016/2017 Mascom Top 8 Champions will be looking for the last piece of silverware after they failed to defend their title this season. Galaxy further suffered crushing loss during their debut at the CAF championships league having been tossed out in the preliminary stage. If there is any hope for Galaxy this season, it avoiding the loss of points and focusing on the last seven games. Galaxy’s Serbian coach Zlatko Krmpotic will be forced to play his cards close to the chest. Strategic will be key when they face TAFIC. Matjimenyenga are a on survival mode and they are not to be taken lightly; actually, it was the same team that humbled the Galaxy with a 1-0 win during the first leg of the 2017/18 Season.
Krmpotic who is still finding his ground at Galaxy will be relying on the experienced legs of Tebogo Sembowa, Patrick Kaunda and Ayanda Molefhe among others. Meanwhile with only a few weeks left before the end of the season, TAFIC has enough problems as it is. The team is currently battling to escape the relegation axe. Matjimenyenga are currently limping at position 13 in the log standings. Having only been promoted to the elite league last season, the Francistown outfit cannot afford another spell in the National First Division. The promotion to the elite league had brought much needed excitement to the football supporters in the lucrative Francistown area.
Despite the challenges that have been plaguing TAFIC in and out of the pitch, the team has managed a mixed run thus far. From their last five played fixtures, TAFIC registered only one loss to BDF XI, drew two and won two. In the absence of TAFIC headcoach Coach Rapelang Razor Tsatsilebe who is still serving suspension, Assistant Coach Kentse Motlhale and Wrist Mmusi will be in charge. The match is expected to mark the return of right back Elijah Motseoatile who has been absent serving his suspension for his two consecutive yellow cards. Kick off time is 1700hrs.