Vodacom Premier League (VPL) log leaders Bantu FC will look to extend their strong start to the season when they take on Lifofane at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena on 10 October.
Bantu have won four of their five matches this season and drawn the other, giving them 13 points and the top spot on the log. They are yet to taste defeat. The match kicks off at 15:30 and closes a quadruple-header at Bambatha Tšita.
The league leaders come into the fixture in confident mood after a 4-1 win over Mzamane FC at Ratjomose Stadium on October 3, their first match since the three-week international break.
The day’s action at Bambatha Tšita begins at 09:30, when Machokha take on Mzamane, who sit 15th with three points from five matches. Lioli face Majantja at 11:30, followed by Limkokwing University against Matlama at 13:30. Bantu and Lifofane then bring the programme to a close at 15:30.
Four matches follow on Sunday, all kicking off at 15:00. LCS FC host LDF FC at LCS Ground, while Lijabatho welcome Members at Bambatha. At Liraoeleng Ground, Villa FC face LMPS FC, and Linare FC host Manonyane at the S. Thejane Technical Centre in Maputsoe.
Bantu coach Motheo Mohapi said his players had to handle considerable pressure against Mzamane but delivered the three points that put them top of the table.
“The players were under a lot of pressure during this match, but I am very happy to have secured these three points, which have placed us at the top of the table,” Mohapi said.
The sides were evenly matched in the first half, but Moeketsi Sekola broke the deadlock for Bantu shortly before the interval. Substitute Itumeleng Falene doubled the lead in the 70th minute, and Thabo Mafatle added a third soon afterwards.
Mzamane pulled one back two minutes later, but Tšeliso Botsane restored the three-goal cushion with Bantu’s fourth.
Mohapi said his team would keep working hard as they chase the title. On his part, Mzamane coach Monyane Mohlomi admitted his side had problems but took encouragement from their ability to score.
“We almost achieved what we had planned, but, honestly, our team experienced problems here and there, which is why we conceded so many goals. However, the result shows that our team is still improving,” he said.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Linare FC came from behind to draw 1-1 with Limkokwing University FC at Ratjomose, with forward Mofihli Mabokoane equalising in the 80th minute.
Limkokwing had taken the lead in the 50th minute and controlled much of the second half, with Linare struggling to break down their organised defence. Mabokoane’s strike with 10 minutes left denied the visitors all three points.
Limkokwing coach Ntlaloe Ntlaloe blamed recklessness for the dropped points. “We had three points in our hands, but we let it slip due to recklessness,” he said. He also pointed to missed first-half chances and admitted that his substitutions cost the team its shape.
Linare assistant coach Pusetso Mohapi praised his players’ fighting spirit. “We showed great fight against Limkokwing even though we didn’t get all the three points,” he said. The draw preserved Linare’s unbeaten home record.
Summary
- The league leaders come into the fixture in confident mood after a 4-1 win over Mzamane FC at Ratjomose Stadium on October 3, their first match since the three-week international break.
- “The players were under a lot of pressure during this match, but I am very happy to have secured these three points, which have placed us at the top of the table,” Mohapi said.
- Limkokwing had taken the lead in the 50th minute and controlled much of the second half, with Linare struggling to break down their organised defence.
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