MASERU — Bantu playmaker Tefo Maipato says the club will be content with finishing the season among the Vodacom Premier League’s top four sides.
The Mafeteng team, fourth in the latest league standings and trailing leaders Matlama by seven points, still have a strong shout at the championship.
But Bantu will not ask for anything more than a finish among the top boys in the premier league, according to Maipato.
It’s been a fairytale return to the top-flight league for Bantu, who spent the last four seasons playing in the unfashionable first division.
Bantu’s credentials will, however, be under scrutiny when they face Matlama in a crunch tie at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena on Saturday.
“We have to win that game because we want to get into the top four,” Maiptao said.
“We are just focusing on finishing in the top four.”
Maipato, who has been a revelation at A Matšo Makaota since returning from South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, knows winning the league will not be easy for the Mafeteng side.
Bantu suffered their second successive loss last Saturday when they went down 2-1 to Linare.
Maipato scored the consolation goal from the penalty spot.
“What I can say is that we just made mistakes,” he said. “Sometimes football can surprise you.”
“Unfortunately some of our players were injured as well,” he added.
“In the first half Linare dominated us and even though we came back in the second half it was too late.
“But we lost just like every side can lose. Who would have thought Likhopo would beat LDF 3-0?”
Despite the setback, Maipato is confident Bantu can hold their own against Matlama.
“We have to do our job,” he said.
“I have to double my efforts because I don’t want people to say I didn’t give my best.
“It’s a crucial match because Matlama will want to increase their lead at the top and we want to close that gap.”
In other matches, Majantja will host Top Four champions LMPS in a rescheduled match.
The original match was abandoned because of rain on January 31.
Also on Saturday there will be a relegation dogfight when bottom side Botha-Bothe Roses host fellow strugglers Majantja.
Premiership fixtures
Today: Majantja vs LMPS (Mohale’s Hoek)
Saturday: Botha-Bothe Roses vs Majantja (Botha-Bothe), Joy vs LCS (Hlotse), Matlama vs Bantu Maseru, LDF vs Lerotholi Ratjomose.
Sunday: Lioli vs LMPS (Teyateyaneng), Likhopo vs Rovers.
