Mikia Kalati
LCS and LDF renew their rivalry in the Econet Premier League when they go head-to-head at LCS Ground on Saturday.
Both clubs have had an impressive start to the 2018/19 season with LCS occupying second position with 16 points while LDF are third with 14 points.
They are also the second and third most successive teams on league titles after Matlama, with LDF having won it eight times while LCS have six league titles.
LCS coach Mpitsa Marai admitted that they will have to double their efforts going into the match against LDF as the army side are just a few points off pace.
Masheshena wade into the match on the back of a morale boosting 1-0 win over Lioli last weekend.
“Indeed, we have been playing well in recent weeks but we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure and I think it’s too early to talk about winning the league now,” Marai said.
“For now, the focus is to approach every game as it comes and at the moment the upcoming game against LDF is important since they are behind us on the log.
“If we drop points it means they will overtake us so, it’s a very important game because dropping points against them can negatively affect the confidence in our camp.”
The LCS mentor said he is already preparing his high-flying side mentally against complacency emanating from their impressive start to the new season.
“We are working hard to prepare our players mentally so that they can focus.
“Football is football; the win over Lioli is in the past now but we have players who are very confident at the moment.
“The fact that we have two players in each positon has also been very helpful for our team. Competition for a place on the starting line-up is high and it gives the technical team an advantage.
“However, it comes with a lot of challenges because you have to keep everyone motivated to also fight for their place in the team without feeling segregated,” he said.
LDF coach Motheo Mohapi told this publication that he expects fireworks due to the rivalry that the two clubs have enjoyed over the years.
However, the former Likuena coach bemoaned injuries to his key players ahead of the clash with the correctional service outfit.
“It’s going to be a tough match however, since we played in the Independence Cup, we have players who have been nursing injuries since we played in the Independence Cup and that has hampered our preparations.
“We have five injured players including Mojela Letsie and the first-choice goalkeeper Likano Mphuthi.
“However, we have a huge pool of players which comes in handy in situations like this.”
He said they also got a morale boost from the win against LMPS… whom they beat… on…
“The win over LMPS gave us confidence because of the rivalry that is there between the two teams.
“The competition in the league is very high and every three points are important at this stage.
“Both LDF and LCS go into the Saturday game high on confidence due to their respective wins last weekend,” Mohapi said.
Elsewhere on the same day, LMPS host Sefotha-fotha at PTC while Liphakoe host Lioli.
Econet Premier League leaders Matlama will only be in action on Sunday when they host Kick4Life in a potentially explosive encounter as Bob Mafoso’s side look to return to winning ways after losing their last three games.
Defending champions, Bantu will also be in action on Sunday as they make the trip to Leribe to play the rejuvenated Linare at Maputsoe DIFA Ground.
Econet Premier League fixture
Saturday
LMPS v Sefotha-fotha
LCS v LDF
Liphakoe v Lioli
Sunday
Linare v Bantu
Matlama v Kick4Life
Likhopo v Majantja
Swallows v Galaxy
