Moorosi Tsiane
MATLAMA coach, Mosito Matela, is demanding consistency from his charges as they take on champions Bantu in an Econet Premier League match at Maputsoe DIFA ground this afternoon.
The country’s most decorated side with nine league titles come into the match with a spring in their step after back to back wins against Kick4Life and Majantja while their opponents will be hoping to go a gear up after last Sunday’s goalless draw with LCS.
Matela recently told the Sunday Express that he hopes his charges will make it three in a row by beating the reigning champions.
The former Tse Putsoa midfielder is yet to lose since he took over the hot seat as his side has won four and drawn two matches so far.
“We have been working hard and I am proud of my charges as results are coming,” Matela said.
“The biggest challenge is for us to achieve consistency by winning Sunday’s match and collect maximum points.
“Everyone knows that this is not going to be an easy match for both teams. Bantu are big team with good players and good coaches so we need to redouble our efforts to win.”
He said it was evident from their training sessions that playing the champions was motivation in itself for his charges as they displayed full commitment.
He also said while both sides were strong and raring to go in the end whoever came up with better tactics would carry the day.
Matlama had an indifferent start to the season but under Matela, they appear rejuvenated.
“There have been a lot of improvements and the players are beginning to play the way I want them to so we just need to reinforce in defence. Other departments are sorted,” Matela said.
Bantu coach James Madidilane is searching for his first win over, having lost one and drew the other match in his maiden 2016/2017 season in charge of A Matso Matebele.
“As with any match, our target is to collect maximum points and we are ready for them.
“We know it will not be an easy task but we need to work hard to ensure that we do not slip and allow Lioli to take advantage.
At the same time we need to ensure that Matlama don’t catch up with us. It is not by fluke that they are third on the log standings behind us and Lioli,” Madidilane said.
Elsewhere, Kick4Life host Linare at LCS ground. LDF and Sky Battalion will lock horns at Ratjomose Ground in the last of the weekend matches.