Mikia Kalati
BANTU coach James Madidilane says he is looking forward to yet another campaign playing in the African Champions League following their elimination in the preliminary stage in 2017.
While the Confederation of African Football has delayed the publishing of the draw that was conducted in Morocco last weekend, reports have suggested that the Lesotho champions have been draw against Botswana champions, Township Rollers.
A Matšo Matebele nearly pulled one of the greatest comebacks in the competition last year losing on the away goals’ rule to Mbabane Swallows of eSwatini.
Swallows won the first leg 4-2 at Setsoto Stadium but Bantu gave a spirited performance in the second leg Somhlolo National Stadium winning 3-1 with the eSwatini side advancing on the away goals’ rule after a 5-5 aggregate.
The Mafeteng outfit has had a difficult start to the 2018/19 season and Madidilane admitted that they will need to double their efforts if they are to avoid being eliminated from the continental competition at preliminary stage again.
“I cannot say if the draw against Rollers is tough or easy but what is important is for us to be prepared,” Madidilane said.
“We know that this competition will start soon and we have to be ready for it. However, we are pleased with the draw.”
Madidilane, who led Bantu to back-to-back league titles in the last two seasons stated that he is worried that his side is yet to come to the party this season but said he is confident that they will rediscover their form soon.
“We have the squad to compete but the challenge is that we have been struggling to rediscover our form. I however, believe that we have the players to compete at that level.
“It’s just a matter of getting our players back to their best because what I have discovered is that the players are lacking confidence.
“We are not doing well in the league but we can compete with Township Rollers. We just need all our players to be at their best.
“If they are not, then we will face the same problems that we are facing now. I however, believe that we will do better. We will continue to work hard and do all we can to help the players get their groove back,” Madidilane said.
Bantu are seventh on the Econet Premier League log table and have managed just three victories out of their opening seven games.
They also recently lost to Lioli in the final of the Independence Cup.
