Mikia Kalati
THE Econet Premier League will be back in full swing this weekend following the just ended international break.
Matlama hope to maintain the standards after bagging three victories and two draws. However, their coach Thabile Secker says the side has been inconsistent having been impressive in some games dismissing Linare and Likhopo but also dropping points against Sefotha-fotha and Galaxy,
Tse Putsoa drew nil all against Galaxy a fortnight ago and Secker said that they will have to do better against Swallow, who recently returned to top flight football.
“We will prepare and approach the game against Swallows like other past we have played,” Secker said.
“We know that the side is another of the new teams in the league having returned to top flight football this season and they are always motivated when they play against Matlama.”
Secker stated that they have to learn from their last game against Galaxy and give a spirited performance every team in the league.
“There is no small team in the league as playing Matlama is like a cup final to most sides and we also have to be at our best all the time.
“We will not undermine them at all because, for me, every league team is a big team. So, we just have to work on the mentality of our players to respect every team and give the same commitment.
“We are on a tough journey and we have to continue working hard to reach our goals. Swallows are a cautious side and we have to be careful in our approach on Saturday,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bantu coach James Madidilane feels the defending champions are slowly getting back to their groove after winning two matches in a row for the first time this season.
The Mafeteng outfit had a slow start to the new campaign failing to win in their first three matches but turned the corner with a 3-0 rout of LDF that was followed by another win over LCS.
However, Madidilane fears the international break may dent the side’s momentum ahead of Sunday’s clash with LMPS.
“It’s very important for us to continue where we left off against LCS though we were not active this past weekend.
“Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to play any friendly during the break but I’m confident we will be in good shape come match day.
“As for the form, I wouldn’t say we are back at our best but I think it’s coming and we are getting there. The players are getting their confidence back and I think they have regained 90 percent of it.
“It’s not as bad as it was when we started the season and we will improve with each game,” Madidilane said.
The A Matšo Matebele mentor said they are taking every game as it comes as they look to recover from the slow start to the 2018/19 season.
“I think with each game we will get the momentum and we will get back the winning mentality. It’s one game at the time and we build from there,” Madidilane added.
Elsewhere on Saturday, all roads will be leading to Maputsoe DIFA Ground as rookies Galaxy host Linare in a newly established Leribe derby.
Sefothafotha will also host Likhopo as the two teams look to overcome a recent run of poor results.
Sunday will see several clashes between the Premier League big guns as Kick4Life and LCS go head-to-head at LCS Ground; both sides hoping to recover from defeats to Liphakoe and Bantu in their last games respectively.
Another potentially explosive encounter will be between Lioli and LDF also set for Maputsoe DIFA Ground stadium on Sunday.
Econet Premier League fixture
Saturday
Sefothafotha v Likhopo
Swallows v Matlama
Galaxy v Linare
Majantja v Liphakoe
Sunday
Kick4Life v LCS
Bantu v LMPS
Lioli v LDF