Moorosi Tsiane

DEFENDING premier league champions, Bantu, have started preparing for the resumption of soccer action at the end of this month.

When the league was suspended in March this year to curb the spread of Covid-19, Bantu were second in the 16-team league table with 37 points while Matlama were first with 38 points.

However, Bantu still had a match in hand.

Bantu coach, Bob Mafoso, on Friday said his team had started training and was hoping to step up and defend its title.

He admitted however, that it would not be an easy feat given the lack consistent game time.

“There has been much inconsistency in the last two years and that has disrupted our rhythm,” Mafoso said.

“Covid-19 has brought so many new challenges that we must contend with and our players must adjust to those new things. So, honestly it is challenging but that is what comes with coaching big teams.”

Bantu have parted ways with Bokang Sello, Lebohang Sheleng, Thabang Klass and Litšepe Marabe. Mafoso admitted that the departure of the said players was increasing pressure on the technical team particularly considering that his assistant, Teboho Tšiu, has also left the team.

“There is a shake-up in our squad because some players have left for greener pastures. We would have loved to retain them but some of them survive solely on football and most teams have been struggling to pay players. Of course, others left due to some personal reasons but losing them was a blow.

“Apart from losing players, we are trying to get our preparations right tactically. We also have our South African players who are yet to rejoin the rest of the team due to some travelling logistical issues.”

He however, said he was wary of the job at hand.

“I think everyone knows that our supporters want nothing less than a win, so that is what we are working for even under these difficult circumstances,” Mafoso said.