By Moorosi Tsiane
MASERU — Bantu coach, Motlasti Shale paid tribute to his inform side which is the only team in the premier league yet to concede a goal, seven games since the 2013/14 season started.
The former Lesotho international who joined the Mafeteng side from Likhopo in the offseason told this paper that everyone in his team is working hard as A Matšo Matebele gun for more trophies following their Independence Cup success earlier this month.
Bantu made history by defeating rivals Lioli in the final to make it a third consecutive Independence Cup title.
Bantu endured a miserable premier league title loss to Lioli last season, but they are back to life this season with outstanding performances.
A Matšo Matebele, as Bantu is affectionately known, have won five of their opening matches since Shale took over the coach reins and they are the only side in the league yet to concede a goal so far this season.
They are on second position in the league table, two points behind their rivals Lioli.
The former Matlama, Likhopo and LCS striker who has also played for the Free State giants — Bloemfontein Celtic before becoming a coach told this paper that he is happy he has quickly settled at the Mafeteng based side.
“Bantu is a big side with a big support base and the fans are always demanding good results,” Shale said.
“I’m glad that I have managed to settle with the team quickly and the players understand my philosophy.
He also applauded the management of the club and the technical team for making it easy for him to settle into his new job.
Shale, who has tasted success throughout his career as a player and coach feels he has depth in his team to add more trophies into Bantu’s cabinet.
“I’m spoiled for choice because of a big pool of quality players at my disposal.
“I’m certain we will challenge for silverware especially the league title,” said Shale.
The former Likuena striker said the biggest challenge after joining Bantu was installing confidence back into his squad.
“I think a lot of these players were still struggling to come to terms with losing the league title to Lioli after they had dominated for the better part of last season,” he said. It was very heartbreaking, but it is all part of the game and they have to let go because it is in the past now,” Shale said.
He said it is still too early to talk about the title race as they want to focus on doing well in every match they play.
“Of course, I’m happy that I helped the team win their third successive Independence Cup title soon after joining them, but as for the league we need to try win every game” he said.
Shale said their target is to do well throughout the first round of the season.
Defender, Thabo Masualle bought from rivals Lioli has settled into his new team and is building a solid partnership with skipper Tlali Maile in the heart of Bantu’s defence.
New acquisition, Tsebang Lebata, signed from Liphakoe in the preseason for M30 000 has also been enjoying a good goal scoring form.
The striker has six goals in the league and he also scored the all important equaliser against Lioli in the final of the Independence trophy as he and his team edged their rivals on penalties.
Former Matlama goalkeeper, Liteboho Mokhesi, has also been impressive in goals and his penalty saves were very crucial in winning the Independence trophy.
The goal minder has started six in seven opening matches and competes with another great goalkeeper in Daniel Jouse for the number one spot.
