Pascalinah Kabi
MASERU — Football fans can expect fireworks when bitter rivals Bantu and Matlama lock horns in a Vodacom Premier League tie in Mafeteng this afternoon.
The two teams will each be looking to boost their chances of walking away with the league title come end of the season in May.
Bantu and Matlama are strong contenders for the title as they are both currently in the top four on the Vodacom premier league log.
They have also been victorious in their last two league matches and will be looking to keep their winning form this afternoon.
Bantu — affectionately known as A Mat?o Matebele — are currently in fourth position with 21 points after 14 matches.
A Mat?o Matebele have won five of their last 14 league matches.
On the other hand Matlama are in second place on the log with an impressive 25 points, three less than pacesetters Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
Matlama, who are Lesotho’s most decorated club side, will seek to consolidate their healthy position on the log and increase their chances of winning the title.
The Glamour Boys have won seven of their 14 league matches and if their current form is anything to go by, A Mat?o Matebele have a battle on their hands.
Bantu coach Ndebele ‘Tata’ Taole told the Sunday Express there was very little to separate the two teams from each other.
“It’s a do-or-die kind of a game and only luck will determine the winner,” Taole said.
The former Matlama mentor said his team is ready to win the big game against the Glamour Boys.
“We’ve prepared for this game against Matlama and are ready to win it,” Taole said.
“But we must also be realistic and admit that Matlama have also prepared themselves and are also ready to win,” he said.
Taole said this afternoon’s game will be difficult as both teams play the same style of football.
He however said there were a number of weaknesses Matlama have that could cause their downfall.
“They have some weaknesses that I am going to take advantage of but obviously I can’t reveal them,” Taole said.
Matlama coach Mokoena Mohale said he was optimistic they will emerge winners this afternoon.
He said Taole would not be able to read their strategy as Matlama have a secret weapon in the form of new youngsters Taole is not aware of.
“I have an edge with this game despite the fact that it’s going to be tough for us as it is an away game.
“I have played against Ntate Taole before and have managed to defeat him in a major competition (Vodacom Soccer Spectacular) so it will not be difficult to do it again,” he said.
Mohale also declined to reveal his tactics ahead of the match saying doing so would be counter-productive.
“I can’t reveal my plan now because of the kind of team that we are playing, they can simply counter-attack whatever plan we’ve come up with,” he said.
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