Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Unbeaten Bantu, who only conceded their first goal this season against LCS last weekend, are hoping to maintain their good form against LDF in this afternoon’s premier league clash set for Ratjomose Barracks ground.
Bantu are confident of another win over the rivals having beaten LDF in the semi-finals of the Independence Cup last month en route to winning a record third successive Independence trophy.
Motlatsi Shale’s charges will be without captain Tlali Maile who was red carded in the one-all draw against LCS last weekend.
LDF come to this match after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Nyenye Rovers and will be hoping to bounce back against an unbeaten Bantu side.
Bantu won the last clash when the two teams last met in a league encounter at the same venue.
Bantu communications and marketing manager, Bokang Phasumane, told the Sunday Express that a lot will be at stake in the tie against the Army side.
“We know that last weekend they lost to a lowly placed team in the league table and they will come to us like a wounded buffalo,” Phasumane said.
“At the same time we want to get all the points in this match and our players are aware of the importance of this fixture,” he said.
Phasumane said the team will welcome back Mokone Marabe from injury while Maile is suspended.
Lanky striker, Dlomo Monaphathi, is still sidelined with a knee injury and will miss the LDF tie.
LDF public relations officer, Donny Ntakha, said his team is determined to put behind their disappointing loss to Rovers.
“Our Coach and the players have been working hard to bounce back from last weekend’s loss and I’m confident we will put up brilliant show this afternoon,” said a sure-footed Ntakha.
He said the loss to struggling Rovers was a wake-up call as they suffered their first defeat of the season.
“No one was happy that we lost, but it might have been a blessing in disguise for the team to be reminded that there are competing against quality teams,” he said.
He said Motheo Mohapi’s side has no injury concerns ahead of the clash with Bantu.
“The coach will be spoilt for choice because all the players are in good shape physically and mentally,” Ntakha said with enthusiasm.
He added that there are no suspensions in their team.
Elsewhere, improving LCS welcome Lioli at the LCS ground while Linare host Nyenye Rovers with Mphatlatsane at home against Joy.
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