Moorosi Tsiane

THE Econet Premier League’s 2019/20 top goal scorer with 14 goals, Litšepe Marabe has attributed his achievement to good pre-season preparations and hard work.

Apart from 14 goals, Marabe also amassed 14 assists. He single-handedly scored half of Bantu’s 28 goals with eight matches to go before the end of the season.

Marabe told the Sunday Express on Friday that the off-season trials that he had with ABSA Premiership side Bloemfontein Celtic helped him immensely.

“It all started during the preseason where we went for trials at Celtic with Stiga (Hlompho Kalake) and Motebang Sera,” Marabe said.

“As much as things didn’t go well for me and Stiga, I believe the experience we got there really helped me. I noticed it when we were playing our off-season tournament, the Alliance Winter Challenge. I was just on top of my game.

“I believe my form this season was influenced by my experience during the off-season.”

The gifted left footed attacker also thanked his teammates for pushing him to perform better.

“I wouldn’t have achieved this without my teammates. They have played a huge part in my progress. I actually started the season slowly and hardly scored in the early games. I only registered assists in the early matches. My first goal was in the fifth match against Linare.

“I am also grateful to coach Lehlohonolo Seema for trying me out at Celtic. Although I didn’t get a contract, I am grateful for the chance.”

Marabe, who was the league’s top scorer four seasons ago with 22 goals, said he was however, unhappy with the 14-goal tally as he had set his target at 30 goals. The tally was set by former LDF’s striker Lire Phiri in 2000-01 season.

“My target was 30 goals and I am confident I would have reached that in the remaining eight games. I really wanted to break Lire’s record.”

The Likuena attacker, who has captained Bantu for most of this season in the absence of Lindokuhle Phungulwa and Thapelo Mokhehle, said the armband also inspired him to work harder.

“I was shocked when I was given the armband because I was always late for training… I took that as a challenge and I decided to double my efforts and take the responsibility seriously.

“I was forced to change my attitude and behavior because I was now expected to lead the team and that helped me. I am grateful to the technical team for showing confidence in me to lead such a huge team.”

As much as Bantu enjoyed a great season, Marabe feels there is still room for improvement next season.

“We set different targets most of which have achieved but what’s left is going beyond the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions’ League. There are certain areas that we must improve for us to achieve that,” Marabe said.

Although there is still a lot for him to achieve, Marabe is happy with the 2019/20 season’s progress.

“This was a very special season for me. From trialing with Celtic to captaining Bantu. The cherry on the top is that since my birth month in February, I have scored in every match. It was indeed a good season and I am thankful to everyone for pushing me,” Marabe said.