Moorosi Tsiane

LCS coach Mpitsa Marai says he is aware of the danger that can be posed by Liphakoe when the two sides meet in the second leg of the LNIG Top quarterfinals at Maputsoe DIFA Ground this afternoon.

The sides drew one-all in the first leg after Keketso Snyders’ late equaliser. Tšepang Makapa had put Liphakoe in front earlier on.

Marai told the Sunday Express on Friday that complacency almost earned them a loss in the first leg as the tie came on the back of a 4-1 trouncing of Liphakoe in the league.

“This is the first time that Liphakoe have been this close to the final and they will surely want to make a mark, so it will be a tough match,” Marai said.

“They are dangerous and we are aware of that especially because we nearly lost the first leg match due to complacency. We have however, addressed our problems and the players actually conceded they became complacent and are committed to improving.”

Marai said they have been analysing Liphakoe to enable his team to prepare properly and he is confident that they will win.

Since his appointment at LCS four seasons ago, Marai is yet to win a trophy for the correctional service outfit but he hopes to break the duck this season.

“It is important that we win this match and book a place in the semi-finals because from there, anything can happen. We have reached different finals in the past few seasons and we realise that we have lacked depth compared to other league sides. Tournaments are often played in 48 hours and players are usually tired.

“So, we have worked on our recovery methods and believe we can win this time around,” Marai said.

In the second quarterfinal at the same venue, Kick4Life will be desperate to overturn a 4-1 deficit against Bantu.