Moorosi Tsiane
ALL roads lead to Maputsoe DIFA Ground this afternoon where Linare is hosting Lioli in the two sides’ 2020/21 Vodacom Premier League opener.
Tse Tala are hoping for a better season after the numerous changes in both their technical and playing personnel which saw the likes of Mabuti Potloane and John Mofokeng joining the side as well as former Orlando Pirates midfielder Tebogo Moloi taking over as head coach.
On the other hand, Lioli is also hoping for a good start with new coach Thomas Tshabalala who joined from Lifofane.
Moloi however, told the Sunday Express yesterday that he was under no pressure because his main target is building a competitive team.
“I came here to help the players and also help improve the country’s football,” Moloi said.
“Of course, every coach wants his team to win but there are also other elements that come with winning… at the end of the day I want to see Linare being a competitive team for many years to come.
“In terms of how I want them to play, they are not there yet but I knew it needs patience. However, I can tell you that every day they are learning and they are looking promising.
“They have been working hard and we don’t want to put them under any unnecessary pressure because the plan is to take one game at a time.”
For his part, Tshabalala said his team was ready for action and will be out for a win.
“Our preparations went well. We played some friendlies before the league started and I am happy with what I have seen.
“I know that the Sunday game is going to be a different ball game, it is going to be a game of high magnitude and we can’t afford to undermine Linare as they are coming as a rejuvenated side,” Tshabalala said.
During his days at Lifofane, Tshabalala knocked Linare out of the MGC Top4 and went on to clinch the cup, a feat he said was now water under the bridge.
“This is a different match and we won’t undermine Linare because they have a good coach with quality players.
“Coaching goes with a lot of pressure but that is something that doesn’t move me because I am used to it. I have been trying to instill some confidence and a winning mentality into the players,” he said.
In other league matches today Liphakoe welcome league newbies, Manonyane at LDF Ground.
LDF travels to Butha-Buthe Pitso Ground to face Lifofane while Likhopo will be at home against Lijabatho at LCS Ground. The kick-off for all the matches is 3pm.