- as league leaders face Sefotha-fotha in a must win match
Moorosi Tsiane
THE Econet Premier League leaders Matlama welcome striker Motebang Sera today when they host Sefotha-fotha in a must win match at Setsoto Stadium.
Tse Putsoa were without the league top scorer (with 17 goals) in last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Bantu as he tied the knot on the same day.
Courtesy of last week’s win, Bantu closed Matlama’s lead to just two points from five. This left Matlama under pressure to ensure that they win all their remaining matches if they are to win a record 10th league title.
Matlama skipper Mabuti Potloane told the Sunday Express on Friday that they are aware of their supporters’ expectations and cannot afford any slip ups.
“We are past that Bantu loss and now our focus is on our next match because we take one match at time,” Potloane said.
“After dropping points last weekend, we cannot afford any slip ups because all that’s left for us now is to win all our remaining matches if we are to be crowned the champions when the season ends.”
He further said that a win against Sefotha-fotha will mean a lot for his side as it brings them closer to their dream of winning their first title since the 2009/10 season.
“Winning is vital because it will give us a better advantage going into our last match next weekend. So, we have to ensure that we win at all costs to put ourselves in a better position,” he said.
Potloane admitted that beating Sefotha-fotha will not be easy as they have proved to be giant killers but said his teammates were ready for the job.
“We have played them and we know what they can do. They are a good team and we cannot afford to undermine them especially at this time because every match is now crucial for every team.
“They too want to beat us but we are ready for the job and every player who will be on the field on the day knows the importance of this match. The morale within our camp is high and I am confident that we will get maximum points.”
The Likuena midfielder said he is also happy to welcome Sera saying surely his national teammate will add more value into their team.
“I can’t say we lost last week because he (Motebang Sera) was not around but he is such a good player no wonder he is the league’s top scorer. He has been scoring consistently for us and it will be good to have him back into the team at the weekend,” Potloane said.
Sefotha-fotha, who come into the match in ninth with 30 points, three points behind eighth placed LMPS, will be hoping for a win to fight for a top eight finish.
The Mabote outfit’s assistant coach Molebatsi Mothobi said they are ready for the battle.
“The preparations for this match are not too different from how we have been preparing for other matches. We are aware that it is not going to be an easy one. This season, we have played them once in the league and once in the MGC spectacular where both matches ended in draws,” he said.
Molebatsi said the two teams have something to fight for and that will make the match even harder.
“We are fighting to finish into the top eight while Matlama are fighting for the league title, so it is not going to be easy because Matlama are not easy opponents but our charges are ready for the job.
“The intention is to win the match. The morale in our camp is high and now the players believe they can make it into the top eight,” Mothobi said.
In other league matches relegation threatened Galaxy visits LCS at LCS Ground, Liphakoe faces Swallows at Quthing Pitso Ground while Linare hosts Likhopo at Maputsoe DIFA Ground this afternoon.