Makwengwe heeds distress signal ...as TAFIC get one shot at glory

Philmon Makwengwe would probably not fancy a tagline of being a relegation specialist following his previous success with Gaborone United but recent history suggests he is the next ‘Sam Allardyce’, a relegation survival expert.

Relegated Debswana First Division North side, Tafic SC have announced that they have roped in the veteran gaffer to lead the team in their crucial play-off match against the runners up of the upcoming promotional play-offs to First Division.

Matjimenyenga's shot at glory to remain in the First Division comes after youthful Eleven Angels dismantled former giants of top-flight football, Mochudi Centre Chiefs by 5-0, a result which saw them elevate to the Premier League, and left a slot in the First Division North.

Makwengwe’s task will be to save the club’s status in the First Division, the experienced tactician’s recent job was in South Africa, where he successfully saved the Glad Championship side, Black Leopards from relegation.

He was appointed as the match analyst for the club in March at a time where they were languishing in the bottom of their league after amassing 20 points from 23 games.

Nine (9) straight wins for the club saw the team pull off one of the greatest escapes in the league history.

“He has been specifically appointed for this game, for him to motivate the players; we believe their morale is low so we needed someone who is experienced in this kind of situation and there are not many better than him. He has just successfully completed a similar assignment with Black Leopards and we believe he can help us secure the status of the team,” the club’s Communications Manager, Kabelo Dipholo shared.

Tafic will assess their options on whether to appoint the experienced tactician on a long term deal after the play-off final match.

“We just want him to play one match and we will take it from there whether we continue with him or not. He is one man who loves football, he is one man who never shy away from a challenge, and the issue of money is not a big factor in our agreement. He is someone who is very close to the team and it’s not the first time he offers the club his expertise,” Dipholo added.

Sources close to the coach told BG Sport that, Tafic have made an approach for the coach but an agreement is yet to be reached.

“It was early for them to make an announcement, discussions are still ongoing. They have made an approach, he has not turned them down but nothing has been agreed yet. He is still consulting with his family and he will make a decision,” a close source to the coach shared.

Attempts to get hold of the veteran tactician proved futile after his phone rang unanswered several times.

Makwengwe was recently invited by newly promoted side, Holy Ghost to help motivate the side after their late push for automatic promotion suffered set-backs in their last three matches, registering two draws and a defeat, failing to score in all matches.

Tafic SC players have over the season expressed frustrations over unpaid dues and Dipholo said they have engaged the players over the financial status of the team.

“The issue of our financial struggles is not a secret, the team is struggling with finances, but where we are, we’ve always been open with our players on our financial struggles. Once we get anything we always make sure they receive something. They have resumed training today (Wednesday) and they know our situation, they have been so understanding and we try to meet them half-way. Our supporters have also been very keen to assist us,” Dipholo shared.

Should a deal be struck, Makwengwe is expected to resume his duties on Monday.