Likila United coach Bob Mafoso
Moorosi Tsiane
Sundawana coach Bob Mafoso said there would be no room for complacency in his team when the second round of the 2015/16 Vodacom Premier League resumes on 16 January.
The Butha-Buthe outfit ended the first round of the campaign in fine form, winning their last seven matches to go into the Christmas break third on the 14-team table with 24 points—two behind second-placed Matlama and six adrift of log-leaders Lioli.
However, 32-year-old Mafoso this week said he was fully aware of the challenges that await his charges when the 13-match final leg of the season gets underway.
Sundawana begin their second round with a daunting clash against Matlama on 17 January, but Mafoso says his team would have to learn to take on whatever opponent with confidence but caution.
“It has been a good first round for us indeed and we are still on festive season break until Monday next week, when we begin training for the second round.
“It will, no doubt, come with a lot of pressure from the fans, management and everyone involved with this team because of how we played in the first round so we are all aware of these expectations. What really matters is how we are going to deal with all that pressure,” Mafoso said.
According to Mafoso, the team would be in danger if the players allow the first-round success get to their heads.
“There were some targets set here when the season started but I was not with the team at the time,” Mafoso said.
“When I came here, it was just to save the team from relegation and make sure that we finish in the top four or at least in a respectable position so my players must avoid complacency and focus on their work.
“We need to get this message across to the players because they have been doing well. Again, like I said, there will be high expectations from everyone which will put more pressure on the team, so we must make sure by the time the second round resumes, they are fit mentally.”
The former Likila United coach also warned that every team would be facing them very well prepared hence the need to be fully focused all the time.
“It’s not going to be easy at all; all the teams will come at us more prepared than before because of our impressive record so we also need to up our game if we are to continue doing well.”
Mafoso further said the current break could have broken the team’s momentum, but also noted the rest of the league is on a break.
“There are two ways to look at it. In our last match against Mphatlalatsane, there we some signs of fatigue among the players so they needed this break but again, it is possible that our momentum might get affected by this. However, the most important part is at least they have had a chance to rest and besides, it’s not like it was only us who were on this holiday.”
Asked if the team would be signing new players when the transfer window opens on 2 January, Mafoso said addition to the squad would be welcome.
“Well, we don’t want to destabilise the team with many signings in the middle of the season but there are some areas we need to beef-up when the January window period opens. The good thing is we have all the support we might need from our president who promised that we will get any player that we want. So yes, we might be going for these players next month.”
