Mikia Kalati
MASERU — New Bantu signing and last season’s top goal scorer, Pali Tšalong, is confident of making an impression in his first league game this afternoon as Bantu host Nyenye Rovers in the opening fixture of the premier league second round.
“It will be my first official match in the colours of Bantu and I hope I prove to everyone that I will be an asset to the team,” Tšalong said.
The attacking midfielder said he has had no problems finding his feet playing with his new teammates and is looking forward to playing in front of a full stadium in Mafeteng. “I played well in a friendly match last week and I have looked sharp in training playing with the rest of my new teammates,” he said. Bantu public relations officer, Bokang Phasumane, said their supporters are expecting nothing but a big win from their high flying side that registered wins over Free State Stars and LCS leading to today’s opening second round match.
“He proved his qualities during his days as a player for Matlama and expectations will be very high today as he dons our colours in an official match for the first time,” Phasumane said. “He settled well into the team and I’m confident he will prove to be a quality player as we search for our first ever league title.” The star-studded Caswell Moru-coached side have been the most consistent side in the premier league and have already lifted the Independence Cup in the 2012-13 league season.
Bantu face Nyenye Rovers, a side fighting for survival and just a point ahead of bottom placed Matlama. Team manager, Hopolang Ntšeli, told the Sunday Express that his team is bracing for revenge after Bantu beat them 2-1 in the first round match. “We have a few surprises for them, they are a big team and it’s always a motivation to our players playing against these big teams,” Ntšeli said.
“We have added a few players from the lower leagues and they are itching to play against clubs like Bantu.”
He said there are no big name players in their small team coached by former Likuena and Bloemfontein striker Lebajoa Mphongoa. Elsewhere, Likhopo who have had a troubled season so far will meet a weakened Likhopo side who have sold their most valuable player in Tšalong. However, the Hlotse-based team can count on the talents of their skillful skipper, Mabuti Potloane, to lead them to a win over the former league champions.
Today’s Vodacom premier league matches:
Bantu vs Nyenye Rovers
Likhopo vs Linare
LDF vs Mpharane
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