Mikia Kalati
BANTU coach James Madidilane has called on his charges to show character and bounce back from a difficult start to the new season ahead of Saturday’s Econet Premier League clash with LDF.
The teams clash at Setsoto Stadium as the second of two matches which also feature Lioli and Sefotha-fotha.
The defending league champions have just one point after two matches having lost to Lioli last weekend and were also held in the first match by Sefotha-fotha.
Madidilane admitted that the army side is always a tough opponent but said his side must bounce back before it’s too late.
“We are playing LDF who are never an easy side but now we have to turn our fortunes around before it’s too late because already we lost five points in our first two games,” Madidilane said.
“LDF have always given us problems and we have to change that although we have to work really hard.”
The South African coach admitted that the poor results from their opening two matches have brought pressure on his club.
“We need to show character because we really need the three points. Our poor start to the new season is not just about the loss to Lioli but we generally started badly. However, it is just fortunate that we are still early in the season.
“Lack of concentration against Lioli cost us because from my perspective we deserved at least a draw but we still have a chance to bounce back.
“I still believe that when the team gets its rhythm, we will bounce back. Now it’s a matter of getting it right as a team because some of the players are not yet back to their best. As soon as everyone gets to their best form, we will turn our fortunes around,” Madidilane said.
LDF coach Motheo Mohapi on the other hand said he wants consistency from his side that has enjoyed a relatively smooth start to the new season.
The army side have four points from their two opening matches after a victory over Majantja and a goalless draw against Kick4Life.
“We have had a decent start though there is a lot of room for improvement. We have one win and a draw and we can improve on that,” Mohapi said.
“It’s important to win this game to maintain consistency. It’s still early days but if we really want to win the league, then we have to start now.
“Winning the early games of the season will give the team confidence and we will play well. However, if we do not play well, we may end up panicking.
“So, it’s important to win games in the early stages because that will help us be competitive,” he said.
Tse Nala, high on confidence, after ending their hoodoo against Bantu last weekend hope to maintain momentum against stubborn Sefotha-fotha.
Sefotha-fotha has so far recorded positive results holding Bantu and Matlama in the first and second matches respectively.
Elsewhere, LMPS welcome Kick4Life at PTC Ground.
Both teams are still undefeated after two matches with the police side at the summit of the league with six points.
Bob Mafoso’s Kick4Life are on four points after a win against Lioli and a draw against LDF.
On Sunday, LCS hope to continue where they left off with the victory over rookies, Galaxy, when they welcome winless Majantja at LCS Ground.
Liphakoe hope to return to winning ways against new boys in the league, Galaxy, who are still searching for their first three points in top flight football.
Linare will also be in action on Sunday when they welcome Swallows at Maputsoe DIFA Ground where Teele Ntšonyane will come up against his former team.
The last match of the day will see Matlama host Likhopo in a Maseru derby. Tse Putsoa have four points from their two games so far while the Red Army are still looking for their first points having lost both their opening games to Liphakoe and Linare.
Econet Premier League fixture
Saturday
LDF v Bantu
Lioli Sefotha-fotha
LMPS v Kick4Life
Sunday
Linare v Swallows
Matlama v Likhopo
LCS v Majantja
Liphakoe v Galaxy
