Leemisa Thuseho
REIGNING premier league champions, Bantu, yesterday got off to a flying start in the new season thumping Kick4Life 3-0 in the season opener at Setsoto Stadium.
The second game saw runners up Matlama beating Swallows 1-2.
Bantu, who were recently booted out of the CAF Champions’ League, got their lead early in the first half after Kick4Life defender Moruti Thamahane beat his own keeper.
The league’s reigning top goal scorer, Litšepe Marabe opened his scoring account in the second half with his bother Mokone netting the last goal for Bantu.
In the second match of the day, Matlama also got their lead from an own goal after Swallows’ Palama Molula netted in his own goal in the first five minutes.
Matlama were close to extending the lead in the 16th minute but Stephen Essono’s overhead kick attempt was cleared from the goal line.
In 23rd minute Essono forced Swallows goalkeeper Thabo Mokuena into action in parrying his firm header over the crossbar.
Matlama’s dominance paid off in the 26th minute when newly signed striker Paseka Peter recorded his first goal for Tse Putsoa. The first half ended without Swallows responding.
In the second half substitute Ts’eliso Sello pulled one back for Swallows converting a free kick from outside the box.
Despite winning comprehensively yesterday and beating Kick4life in their last four meetings, Bantu coach Bob Mafoso said the match was challenging.
He said they had also expected a difficult start to the season having recently returned from Zambia where they played Nkana a fortnight ago. They drew with the Zambian side having lost 0-1 in the first leg at home a week earlier.
“Again, we had several players in the national team playing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), so we are expecting a tough start to the season.” Mafoso said.
He said his players are still struggling mentally and it was evident in the first half.
He however, said the win was important and would boost his charges’ morale.
“It is always to start with a win especially when defending as that will give a motivation,” he added.
On the other hand, Kick4life’s newly appointed coach Motebang Makhetha said he hopes his team will soon improve.
“This was my first week as the team’s coach, so it means there is still a lot of work. The boys did their best.”
He said he was hopeful that his side would improve in the next few games.
In other games yesterday, LCS beat Sefotha-fotha 4-0 at LCS Ground while league newbies CCX surprised LMPS with a 2-1 win at LDF Ground.