Moorosi Tsiane
BATTLE lines have been drawn as Lioli and Bantu clash in the Alliance Winter Challenge final at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon.
This comes after Lioli beat LCS 2-1 and Bantu beat Matlama by a similar score line to book their spots in the final.
Lioli were the first to progress to the final coming from a goal down to eliminate last year’s winners LCS courtesy of Swirtbirth Kum and Bushy Moletsane’s goals. LCS’ goal came from Refiloe Mothae.
In the second match, tournament guests, Bantu made their intentions clear early in the match with a stunning goal from Lehlohonolo Fothoane.
Tse Putsoa however, came back a better side in the second stanza and found an equaliser early through Lisema Lebokollane.
However, a lapse in concentration worked against Matlama towards the end of the match as Lazola Tjokotjokwana caught their backline off guard with a spirited run to net his side’s winner.
Lioli coach Thabile Secker said he was impressed with his charges’ performance.
“We did not start well but in second half we came back a better side and we won the match,” Secker said.
He however, said there was still a long way to go for his side.
“In football you always have to strive for higher standards and we are not there yet but we will get there. This is a preseason tournament and we are working to improve.”
Secker said it would be important for his side to win the final and boost the players’ confidence.
“We are still in the pre-season but it is important to win matches to boost our confidence as we prepare for the new season. So, we will be playing for a win,” said Secker.
On his part, Bantu assistant coach Teboho Tšiu said he was looking forward to today’s match.
“We had a good game which had its moments and we managed to use our chances. We were good in transition which I think was our strong point.
“We are looking forward to the final. We know that it is not going to be easy especially because it is still off season and fitness levels are low but we are hoping to finish off the work,” Tšiu said.