Lesotho Premier League - Bantu versus Matlama preview

Bantu versus Matlama is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far for Bantu. A loss for A Matšo Matebele would all but rule them out of the title race, leaving them with a possible haul of only 51 points for the season.

Bantu, as things stand, are third in the Vodacom Premier League with 45 points after 23 games. Ahead of them are LCS, also with 45 points but after 22 matches played, and LDF who are top with 48 points having played 23 times this season.

Bantu and Matlama last met in January a match in which Tse Putsoa ran out 1-0 winners at the Central Prison thanks to a Pali Tšalong goal.  Bantu however have an imposing record in Mafeteng and will be looking to build on their recent good form. Bantu are on a three-match winning run and beat Maduma 2-1 in Khukhune last weekend thanks to goals from Tlali Maile and Mpho Matsinyane.

Team News

Bantu have no serious injury concerns with Mosiuoa Boseka the only player who will need a check after he picked up a knock last weekend against Maduma. The question mark around Bantu’s selection is in midfield, whether powerful anchorman Mangana Maoela trains and plays or he doesn’t and is left out and Likano Teele plays instead.

Matlama’s only absentee is Mohau Khali who is out with a long-term injury.

Key Battles

Mohapi Ntobo vs Phafa Tšosane

Right-back Ntobo has rediscovered himself since a January move from Lioli. He has been a consistent attacking outlet for Bantu and has been a major reason for their continued good form. This afternoon he comes up against one of Lesotho’s most promising prospects, Phafa Tšosane.

Tefo Maipato vs Tšoanelo Koetle

“Chico” Maipato has often been the focal point of Bantu’s play. His movement, one-touch play and deft skill have been at the heart of Bantu’s attacking formula. Maipato will be up against the finest defensive midfielder in the country, Tšoanelo Koetle, a player who on his day can dominate the midfield.

Key Stats

- Bantu have collected more points at home than any other team in the Premier League this season.

- Matlama have beaten Bantu (2-1, 2-0 and 1-0) in all of the three previous occasions the teams have met since Bantu’s promotion back to the Premier League for the 2009/10 season.

- Despite their troubles this season, Matlama still have the second best defensive record in the league conceding just 15 goals. But Tse Putsoa have found it tough going at the other end though and have scored just 21 times, the lowest total in the top half of the table.

Probable teams

Bantu (4-4-2)

Daniel Jousse – Mohapi Ntobo, Tlali Maile (captain), Brown Makobe, Tanki Makhele - Khalefo Nkuebe, Likano Teele, Tefo Maipato, Mosiuoa Boseka – Molefi Mosebo, Mpho Matsinyane

Matlama (4-4-1-1)

Liteboho Mokhesi – Frank Ntšohi, Nkau Lerotholi (captain), Sello Seholoholo, Thapelo Mokhehle – Tsietsi Tikiso, Tšoanelo Koetle, Hlomelang Theko, Phafa Tšosane  – Litšepe Marabe – Dlomo Monapathi

PredictionBantu 2 – 1 Matlama