Leemisa Thuseho

QUTHING giants, Liphakoe FC’s search for their first Econet Premier League win this season when they host Lifofane FC at Setsoto stadium this afternoon.

The struggling maroon and gold side is the only team without a win this season.

Liphakoe headcoach Thabo Tšutšulupa said his boys are ready and will do all they can to register their debut win.

“We are always looking to win every game that we play, so Lifofane will be in for tough match,” Tšutšulupa said.

“The search for our first win is all the motivation that we need for the match.”

Lifofane go into today’s game highly motivated after their 2-1 home win over defending champions Matlama FC last Sunday. But Tšutšulupa is not moved.

“Their (Lifofane) current form is commendable but we don’t consider ourselves as underdogs. Lifofane are good at attacking and their game against Matlama last week was proof of that but teams always play differently when they face us,” he said.

Tšutšulupa however, said his only worry was that several of his players are nursing injuries.

“Injuries have been our major weakness this season considering that last season’s top scorer Tšepang Makapa and Keketso Seala, have been unfit for a long time.”

Similarly, Liphakoe will be without Basia Letuka and Maema Bulara who are both injured.

“Tšeole Ranthimo, Bokang Potsanya and Neo Sek’hosana are doubtful of playing on Sunday and Lehlohonolo Matsau has joined Lesotho Defence Force for training. Therefore, we do not have our usual full squad but still; that is how we have played all our previous games this season. We will soldier on and work hard to win the remaining three games in the first round,” he said.

Tšutšulupa urged his side’s fans to remain resolute and stand firm behind the team despite the poor results. He said he was confident that their fortunes would change this weekend.

“It has not been easy for everyone at the club and we are hurt by letting the fans down but we never planned to lose. We will be at our best during on Sunday (tomorrow),” he said.

Liphakoe are second from the bottom of the log with only six points.

On the other hand, Lifofane assistant coach Pitso Mphunyane says all his players are fit for the Sunday clash.

“We are ready and we are happy that none of the players was injured in our previous game. We are just waiting for Sunday,” a confident Mphunyane said.

Of the 10 league games played so far, Lifofane have won five, drawn three and lost two.

“Our team’s performance has been outstanding since we started the campaign and our aim is to win all our remaining games,” Mphunyane added.

Mphunyane said his side has fared well because of their enjoyable training sessions as well as motivating their players. He said they also take care of the players well-being and encourage them to work harder.

Today’s clash is the first at Setsoto Stadium and will be followed by the Bantu versus LCS encounter at the same venue.