Mikia Kalati
BANTU coach James Madidilane has demanded consistency when his charges take to the field against Sky Battalion and Sandawana in the space of three days, today and Sunday respectively.
The country’s most successful side Matlama also entertain Sandawana today at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena before taking on Rovers at Pitso Ground on Sunday.
Bantu and Matlama have games in hand and have been forced to play catch up.
Madidilane stressed the importance of mental fortitude as they seek to put the disappointment of the abandonment of their match against LDF last weekend. The match was called-off towards halt-time with Bantu leading 2-0. This was after rival players started fighting each other.
“Of course the players were disappointed because we did very well in that match taking an early lead,” Madidilane said, adding, “We were all gutted that the match did not play to the end as we the better team.
“But we will work with the players to ensure they are in the right psychological state of mind to put it behind and focus on what is ahead of them.”
Madidilane said they would they would fully focus on the Sky Battalion encounter before they could even think of the equally tough tie with Sandawana.
“Both games will be a big test but I am confident that we will collect maximum points because we have been playing good football.
“But a coach is never satisfied even when things are going his way and I think there is still a room for improvement,” he said.
On the other hand, Sandawana communication and marketing officer Bokang Phasumane said a “mammoth task” awaited his side, adding, “But out caretaker coaches Ntate Freeze Ntene and Khothatso Sekonyela will have a good plan to overcome”.
“It is going to be a tough weekend for us, but we are ready to battle Matlama and Bantu for the six points.
“We know it is not going to be easy, but we will prepare ourselves properly because we have the quality to cause an upset,” Phasumane said.
He said they would be without Rethabile Rasethuntša who was red-carded in their last game against Butha Buthe Warriors, but this would give other players a chance to show what they can do.
In other Saturday matches, LCS host basement club Butha Buthe Warriors while Liphakoe take on Linare in Quthing.
Pacesetters Kick4Life are also in action on Saturday as they welcome LDF at LCS Ground, hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-4 thumping at the hands of Lioli.
On Sunday, Lioli will be out to continue their climb up the log table when they take on Likhopo while LMPS play host to Sky Battalion at PTC Ground.
Weekend fixtures:
Thursday
Matlama v Sandawana
Sky Battalion v Bantu
LCS v Likhopo
Saturday
Kick4Life v LDF
Liphakoe v Linare
Sunday
Lioli v Likhopo
Bantu v Sandawana
Matlama v Rovers
LCS v Butha Buthe Warriors
