Moorosi Tsiane
ECONET Premier League pace setters, Bantu will be hoping to continue on their winning streak when they visit Matlama in a top of the table clash at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon.
A Matšo Matebele go into the match sitting at the summit of the 14-team table with a 100 percent record having won six matches.
On the other hand, second placed Matlama have already dropped points twice drawing one with Lijabatho before being shocked with a 1-0 loss by LMPS last Sunday.
The Sea Point outfit is five points adrift of Bantu.
Both sides go into the match after winning their respective midweek games. Bantu edged Likhopo 2-1 while Matlama also edged Linare 1-0.
Bantu coach Bob Mafoso said they were aware of the danger that Matlama poses adding that they would ensure that their side recovers before the match.
“It’s not going to be an easy match for both teams and I think the most worrying factor now is that we have played many matches within a short time and we must work on our recovery plan going into the Matlama tie,” Mafoso said.
“We are ready for the challenge and just like any other match, we are playing to win.
“Our focus preparing for the match has been just to ensure that all the players are fit instead of being tactical.”
After the midweek match, Matlama coach Charles Manda that they have not had things going their way before the Linare match but said the win would boost his side’s confidence heading into a tougher match.
“It won’t be an easy match for both but we will play for three points. Of course, we were worried that we were not as fluid as we had wanted to be but the win over Linare was a moral boost for our players,” Manda said.
He welcomed the return of attacker Jane Thabantšo who scored on Wednesday saying his experience would add value to the team.
“When things looked tough in the Linare match, we brought in some experience and Jane did exceptionally well when we introduced him. He even found us a winner. It will be good to have him start against Bantu and we are also hoping that Mbazo (John Mohai) will be available for selection on Sunday (today) as he has been injured,” Manda said.
In other league matches today, Lioli host Sefotha-fotha in the first of two matches at Setsoto Stadium while Liphakoe, who are yet to win this season, welcome on fire LMPS at LCS Ground.