Bantu out to continue unbeaten run

Fri, 28 May 2021 14:24:00 +0000

The Sport Reporter

Vodacom Premier League log leaders and defending champions Bantu are looking to stretch the lead when they host beleaguered FC Likhopo at the Setsoto Stadium tomorrow.

Bob Mafoso charges are as well targeting a winning streak of seven games in a row against Likhopo who are looking to win their first match of the season.

Likhopo are lying on position 15 on the 16-team log table after two draws from six matches.

A win for Likhopo on Saturday will be crucial for them to move up the league ladder from bottom to a better position in case the teams above them fail to collect maximum points this weekend.

Likhopo are equal on points with the last team on the log standings, Sefothafotha, as the two have collected two points apiece.

However, Likhopo coach Halemakale Mahlaha said playing against Bantu is itself a motivation to his players and therefore it should not be a big problem having to play against the Bantu team on Saturday.

“Playing Bantu is a self-motivation to my players to show that they are best and also that they are part of the elite league like Bantu,” said Mahlaha in an interview with The Sport on Wednesday.

“The motivation is high as well as the spirit and what is also good going to the Saturday’s match is that we are injury free.”

Mahlaha further said: “Yes, we have been performing badly in the previous games and we are facing the Bantu team who is in good form but football is a game of surprises and anything can happen.”

Mahlaha said sometimes football is all about luck. He said however they would approach the Bantu match with all respect it deserves and do their job.

Likhopo were held to a goalless draw by Sefothafotha last Saturday, while Bantu beat Liphakoe 2-1 on the following day.

Bantu coach Mafoso said they are used to pressure at Bantu where only a win is a satisfactory result.

“We are at the team where nothing else is expected than a victory, and as a result we always prepare ourselves to win our upcoming games. That’s the pressure we are under and which we came to Bantu very much aware of it.”

Mafoso however admitted that it won’t be be a walk in a plank for his team against Likhopo on Saturday.

“Likhopo are a team made up of a lot of youngsters and as a result we are expecting a high tempo game because of the speed that one can expect when playing against such a team, which also have few experienced players who played for some of the big teams in the country and won numerous trophies.

“Therefore we should not take their experience for granted because their combination with those youngsters could be a problem for us.”

Mafoso said on top of that Likhopo have one of the good coaches in the country in Mahlaha, who he said is also a very experienced mentor.

“Their coach is also one the biggest and very experienced coaches in the country and that means they are not an easy team to play against.

“What also makes them a tough team to play against is the fact that they are yet to collect the intended results and that means they are waiting for a day to achieve that.”

Mafoso said all the Bantu players who were available for selection against Liphakoe in the last game are all ready for the Saturday match.

“All of our players are ready except Tšepang Sefali, Neo Mokhachane and Keamogetse Wolff who were not available for the last match against Liphakoe because of injuries.”

Mafoso further said: “Fortunately Neo (Mokhachane) has started training with the team and Wolff training alone while doctors are still monitoring his progress.”

Mafoso said Sefali was also waiting to hear from doctors whether to start training alone or not.

Full Vodacom Premier League weekend fixtures at a glance

Tomorrow, May 29

Bantu vs FC Likhopo (Setsoto Stadium)

Lioli vs Liphakoe (Maputsoe DiFA Stadium)

Lifofane vs LMPS FC (Butha-Buthe)

Lijabatho vs Manonyane (Morija)

Sunday, May 30

Sefothafotha vs LDF FC (LDF Ground)

Matlama vs Linare (Setsoto Stadium)

Swallows vs Kick4Life FC (Nyokosoba)

CCX FC vs LCS FC (LAC Ground)

Bantout to continue unbeaten run

The Sport Reporter

MASERU-Vodacom Premier League log leaders and defending champions Bantu are looking to stretch the lead when they host beleaguered FC Likhopo at the Setsoto Stadium tomorrow.

Bob Mafoso charges are as well targeting a winning streak of seven games in a row against Likhopo who are looking to win their first match of the season. Likhopo are lying on position 15 on the 16-team log table after two draws from six matches. A win for Likhopo on Saturday will be crucial for them to move up the league ladder from bottom to a better position in case the teams above them fail to collect maximum points this weekend.

Likhopo are equal on points with the last team on the log standings, Sefothafotha, as the two have collected two points apiece. However, Likhopo coach Halemakale Mahlaha said playing against Bantu is itself a motivation to his players and therefore it should not be a big problem having to play against the Bantu team on Saturday.