By Mikia Kalati
MASERU — High flying Bantu are hoping to pile up misery on the LCS camp when the two premier league teams clash in Mafeteng on Saturday.
Struggling former premier league champions, LCS, have only registered two victories in seven matches and head into this weekend’s encounter following a goalless draw against rivals LDF last Sunday.
Bantu communication and marketing manager, Bokang Phasumane told the Lesotho Times that his side won’t underestimate their struggling opponents when the two rivals lock horns in a potentially explosive tie.
Bantu is the only side in the league yet to concede a goal in seven matches, and Phasumane believes the team is motivated enough to defend their good record.
“Yes, we are happy that up to now the team has not conceded a goal. The players are not resting on their laurels and they want to do even better,” Phasumane said.
He said the Motlatsi Shale’s coached side is hungry for more success after winning the Independence trophy almost a month ago.
“We played a friendly game against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday and lost 4-0 but it was a learning curve for the team.”
Phasumane said their side will benefit a lot from playing clubs like the Free State based side who play in a better league.
Phasumane told this paper that former LCS assistant coach, Mpitsa Marai, has joined their technical team alongside Thabo Maphalo who is the goalkeeper coach.
Marai left his former club he captained at the end of last season having won the league title twice as the assistant coach to Mosholu “Shoes” Mokhothu.
LCS coach, Katiso Mojakhomo, is confident his team has what it takes to cause an upset against a formidable Bantu side.
“Well, I must admit that we had a bad start to the campaign mainly due to injuries and of course changes in the technical department,” Mojakhomo said.
He told this paper that injury woes so early in the season have affected the performance of the team.
“We have been making progress over the last few weeks and I expect my boys to comeback from Mafeteng with a victory on Saturday,” he said.
LCS beat Bantu 2-0 when the two teams last met in a league match where midfield maestro Ralekoti Mokhahlane scored a brace.
Mojakhomo said he will be without start attacker, Thulo Ranchobe, Lawrence Molengoane, Lieta Lehloka, and Kutloisiso Nthonyana while Katleho Lethabela is doubtful for the encounter.
He said the team will be boosted by the return of Mokhahlane who comes back into the team after overcoming off-the-field disciplinary problems.
“He looked sharp in training and I’m sure he will be on top form come match day,” Mojakhomo said.
Weekend league fixtures:
Saturday
Bantu vs LCS
Likhopo vs Mphatlalatsane
Joy vs Linare
Sunday
Qoaling Highlanders vs Melele
Nyenye Rovers vs LDF
Mpharane vs Matlama
Lioli vs LMPS
