With just five games left to secure Premier League survival, Tafic will look to repeat their first round victory over Ecco City as they bid to save their troubled season.

FIGHTING RELEGATION: Tafic

Although Machimenyenga have games in hand over their fellow strugglers at the foot of the league log, they need at least six points to be certain of avoiding relegation.
Speaking to Voice this week Tafic’s Public Relations Officer Thomas Chabalala remained upbeat despite the club having recorded only one win in their last seven league games. The PRO maintained that they were not under any pressure and would treat this game like any other.

“The players know what they have to do and they don’t need reminding of our league position. Ecco has hit form and they are now consistent, but this game is a must win for us and we will fight until the last whistle,” he said.
He admitted that Ecco were a strong side and were looking to finish the season on a high, but was confident that his players could “shut them down.”
He added: “The mood in the camp is very high and I believe the boys will not disappoint. We showed a great spirit to beat BDF and only lost our last game against BMC due to fatigue as we had to play two games in three days.”
Meanwhile Chabalala said they had sent the Premier League a letter seeking financial compensation for their abandoned game against Township Rollers. The cash strapped club are in desperate need of funds and have canvassed local businesses in a bid to raise money.
“We did not play for a month and half and were going to make money from gate takings looking at Rollers support. Whoever is responsible for the fixtures is to be blamed and the Premier League must pay our expenses.
“This has affected us financially, we did not even have the P8000 needed to get to Lobatse to honour the BMC game. Fortunately The Voice gave us some money and we were able to travel,” he said.
For his part the Mamoja Diskie Public Relations Officer Keletso ‘14’ Gomotsang said the players had been training hard as they anticipated a tough game and were in no mood to gift their struggling neighbours any points.
“First round they defeated us, but this time around it is going to be difficult for them as we are determined to finish in the top eight. We will show them no mercy,” he said.
Ecco, who have by their standards have had a disappointing league campaign, will be out to boost their confidence as they prepare for forthcoming Coca Cola and Mascom Top 8 cup games.
He admitted that without key players Keabetswe Jenamiso, Captain Emmanuel Nlu and Zeco Makafiri, they struggled in their last game to narrowly overcome Notwane 1-0, but that all three had now recovered from injury and were fit to play.

Tafic