Moorosi Tsiane
ECONET Premier League newcomers Lifofane are hoping to break Bantu’s 17-match unbeaten run when they welcome the leaders at Butha-Buthe Pitso Ground this afternoon.
Lifofane assistant coach Pitso Mphunyane told the Sunday Express that they are working hard to end Bantu’s winning streak while also cementing their place in the top-four of the league.
Before this weekend’s fixtures, Lifofane were fourth with 26 points from 17 matches while Bantu have 42 points from the same number of matches.
Lifofane are yet to lose at home and Mphunyane told the Sunday Express that they are banking on that home record to end Bantu’s bliss.
“We haven’t lost at home although we have drawn with Likhopo, LMPS and Swallows so we are hoping to continue with our home record,” Mphunyane said.
“The team is ready. We had good preparations and the boys know the importance of the fixture so they are all determined to fight.”
Mphunyane said the match is an ample motivation for his charges to do well but said they are wary that it would be a tough tie.
“We are playing a side that has been doing so well and that is motivation for our squad to play and beat them. While we know that it is going to be tough, we are playing for maximum points.
“We have been playing well and it’s possible to finish in the top four but that can only be possible if we win our matches. We must collect maximum points if we are to achieve that,” Mphunyane said.
Lifofane welcome back captain John Mofokeng who has been out with a shoulder injury for two weeks.
On his part, Bantu assistant coach Teboho Tšiu said his charges were also ready for the task.
“We have watched them play, so we know exactly what to expect on the day and the boys are ready,” Tšiu said.
However, Tšiu said the biggest challenge would be playing in the bumpy pitch.
“It will be challenging using their pitch. However, we have been training at PTC Ground which is similar to theirs and I hope it works,” Tšiu said.
In other league matches, LCS host Kick4Life at LCS Ground while LDF welcome struggling Swallows at Ratjomose Ground.