Moorosi Tsiane
LIPHAKOE are plotting a heartbreak for Bantu when the two sides clash in the Econet Premier League at Maputsoe DIFA Ground on Saturday.
The Thabo Tšutšulupa coached outfit will be hoping for a change of fortunes after managing just one point out of a possible six points in their first two matches of the season against Kick4Life and Swallows.
Liphakoe lost 2-1 to Kick4Life a fortnight ago before playing a goalless draw with Swallows on Sunday.
Bantu on the other hand has so far played one league match beating Sefotha-fotha 2-0. The former champions were out of league action last weekend as seven of their players were. in the national team that played Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday. Likuena lost 3-1 in the CHAN qualifier.
Tšutšulupa told the Lesotho Times recently that they were expecting an improved performance after their two disappointing outings.
“We were all disappointed buy our previous results but this week we are changing all that as we have motivated the boys for their upcoming match with Bantu,” Tšutšulupa said.
“Swallows were a tough opponent unlike what people expected. They really did their homework but we are over it now.”
He said they have been unlucky in front of goal this season and have also worked to improve their finishing in preparation for the Saturday clash.
“Our problem has been converting but we have been working on that. I believe the upcoming match will be an open one for both teams.
“We respect Bantu and their coach like any other in the country but we can safely say we are looking forward to change our recent fortunes. We always play to win our matches against every team and Bantu are not an exception,” said Tšutšulupa.
Liphakoe will be without striker Tšepang Makapa, who is nursing an injury.
Bantu coach Bob Mafoso said his charges were ready for Liphakoe although they were anticipating a tough match.
“The two teams are known for keeping possession so it is going to be an exciting but difficult match.
“I think the team that manages its game well off the ball stands a better chance and that is what we are working on this week.
“The challenge is that we didn’t have enough time with the whole team as other players were away with Likuena and only returned on Wednesday. But that is not an excuse because even when I came here, I knew that our players are in the national set up. Of course, it will be tricky but we need to come up with solutions on how we get out of it and we are preparing the team,” Mafoso said.
He said they used the break to work on some tactical areas which they thought needed attention.
“We played a friendly with Swallows but we know that it is not the same with the competitive league match. However, we were trying to reduce the length of time out of action. This break actually helped us to work on areas where we were lacking tactically.
“The upcoming match will be tactical because the opponents have a good technical team and we know they are capable of hurting us as they can play different formations in one game,” Mafoso said.
Bantu will be without the services of the injured Lindokuhle Phungulwa. The Mafeteng outfit will also miss Bokang Sello, who is leaving the country tomorrow (Friday) for Dubai where he has found a new team.
In other league matches on Saturday, Lioli will be hoping to register their first win this season when they visit Swallows at Ratjomose Ground while Kick4Life will be at home against LMPS at LCS Ground.
On Sunday LCS welcome Linare at LCS Ground while LDF welcome Likhopo at Ratjomose Ground.
It will be a battle of newcomers at Maputsoe DIFA Ground with Lifofane hosting Lijabatho while Matlama will also be back to action this weekend hosting Sefotha-fotha at Setsoto Stadium on Sunday.
