Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Star-studded Bantu Football Club are aiming to hand Likhopo their second straight defeat when the two teams clash in a premier league match in Mafeteng this afternoon.
Bantu captain, Tlali Maile, told the Sunday Express that this is the season in which the club’s management is going to reap the rewards of investing heavily in new players.
“Our management has assembled a good team. We have to repay them and our supporters by bringing good results,” Maile said.
“It is important that we win matches before thinking of winning trophies.”
The hard working defender said they have to strive to win each and every match, especially when they are playing at home.
Maile, who was Bantu’s top goal scorer in the last premier league campaign, told this paper that the investment made on his Likuena teammate and former Matlama star striker, Dlomo Monaphathi, is already paying dividends for the club.
“Our strikers were struggling in front of goal last season, but I’m glad that the team is already reaping the rewards of his arrival as he proved his value by scoring in the 2-0 win over Nyenye Rovers,” he said.
“We know Likhopo will come out with all guns blazing after losing to newly promoted Qoaling Highlanders last week, but we are ready to hand them another defeat,” Maile added.
A Matšo Matebele, as Bantu are affectionately known, invested hugely in new players in the off-season.
The Mafeteng-based outfit bought former Matlama trio of Dlomo Monaphathi, Thapelo Mokhehle, Litšepe Marabe and a host of new players.
Likhopo edged Linare 2-0 in the opening match a fortnight ago, but since then the Matekane Group of Companies (MGC)-sponsored team lost to league rookies Qoaling Highlanders.
Team manager, Qamako Mahao, said his team were over-confident against Highlanders.
“Our boys won the match even before it started against the newly promoted Qoaling team, but we have to get things right against Bantu, it will be a different ball game as our boys are usually motivated when they play against other big teams,” he said.
“We remain among the best teams in the country and with the material that we have in our squad I have no doubt that we will be up to the task this afternoon.”
Mahao added: “As long as our players and the technical team can get it right the results will come.”
Newly signed striker Lehlomela Ramabele opened his account in his first game against Qoaling Highlanders and will be hoping to add more this afternoon.
Likhopo will also look to speedy striker Thapelo Tale to bring back his magic after rejoining the team from Serbian side FC Scrum in the off season.
Elsewhere, defending league champions, Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) make a short trip to Teyateyaneng for an interesting encounter against Lioli.
Police side LMPS host rivals Lesotho Defence Force while Matlama play league rookies Nyenye Rovers in Maseru.
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