Moorosi Tsiane
LDF coach Motheo Mohapi says they are anticipating a tough encounter when they face unbeaten Bantu in an Econet Premier League tie at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon.
Sohle-Sohle go into the match on the back of a 2-1 win over Liphakoe in the midweek at Ratjomose Ground but Mohapi says that will not make a difference as they will be playing a tough side which is yet to lose a league match this season. Bantu, on the other hand, drew one-all with second-placed Matlama.
Bantu are leading the 14-team league table with 44 points from 16 matches while LDF were seventh before yesterday’s round of matches with 23 points from 16 matches.
A Matšo Matebele have only drawn twice against Matlama in the first and the second-round matches and Mohapi says it will be difficult to beat them.
“Our preparations have gone well so far and we are anticipating a tough match because there are no more easy matches because every team now wants to win.
“However, we are playing a team that hasn’t lost a league match this season, so they are no push overs but at the same time, we must also play for maximum points because we need them,” Mohapi said.
“I think they will want to maintain their unbeaten run and set a record because they started the league well and have been playing well.”
The two sides are meeting for the third time this season after LDF beat Bantu in an Independence Cup third place play-off while Bantu beat them in the first round of the league.
Mohapi said the fact that both teams have managed one win in two meetings means it would be a tough encounter that can go either way.
“We have beaten them in the Top4 Cup but they also beat us in the league, so that mean that the match can’t be predicted. We must focus and the players must show character.
“The race for the top four is still open and if we win on Sunday (today) against Bantu then we will enhance our chances. We know it won’t be easy but the players are ready to work,” Mohapi said.
For his part, Bantu coach Bob Mafoso also said he was expecting a tough encounter.
“They are winning and they are not going to be easy opponents. I think they are the better team because they are coming from a midweek win while on the other hand, we drew last weekend,” Mafoso said.
Mafoso said they endured a tough outing in the first-round clash although they eventually won but added that they are playing all their matches to win.
“The first-round match between the two sides was tough. LDF were very organised especially in defence and we had to hustle for maximum points which I think will still be the case on Sunday (today). Our target is to win.
“So far, I haven’t seen any signs of complacency in the team; everyone is working hard and they are hungry to win,” Mafoso said.
He also said Bantu will be without midfielder Tau Masiu due to a knee injury.
In other matches today, relegation bound Swallows welcome inconsistent LCS at Nyakosoba while Kick4Life will be at home to Sefotha-fotha at LCS Ground.
To wrap up weekend matches, relegation-threatened Lijabatho face Liphakoe in the first match at LCS Ground.
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