Here’s a preview of the Vodacom Soccer Spectacular finale. Maduma, Bantu, Matlama and LDF are the gladiators, the Setsoto Stadium the coliseum.
Maduma
The Underdogs
Maduma undoubtedly go into the Vodacom Soccer Spectacular finale as the underdogs.
Despite the Khukhune side’s heroic comeback against Linare in the quarterfinals, where they fought back to win on away-goals, Maduma still rank as outsiders for the M360 000 Soccer Spectacular jackpot.
Their task isn’t made any easier by having to face Lesotho’s form team, Bantu, in the semi-final.
But such is the character of Maduma the team’s assistant coach Ntsasana Phera says that’s just the way they like it. According to Phera it is a chance to showcase themselves on the biggest stage of all.
“It’s just a normal game for us; our motto is to take one game at a time. What we know is that this is a chance to display what Maduma is all about and show that we deserve to be on the stage,” Phera says. “When you look, Bantu is a team with sponsors and big names. We don’t have those things; it is a big game for us. We have motivation do well,” Phera says.
Maduma’s trademark since their promotion to the top league last year has been their determination backed up their fanatic supporters who are likely to travel down from Butha-Buthe in their numbers.
“Our strategies are many. We always take things from our practice sessions,” Phera says. Our attacking is brilliant. After we lost 1-0 to Linare (in the first leg) we still believed we could win,” he says.
“The spirit is too high, no words can explain the moral in the team,” he adds.
And at the end of the day Phera insists Maduma are not in the final four to make up the numbers adding a secret surprise will inspire them to victory.
“As a team we never have any worries about anything off the field thanks to our management and that’s what helps us. This time there is something special that the management has got for the players and it will motivate them even more,” he says.
“Against Bantu it’s a final before a final,” Phera says. “Our mission is to win the cup.”
Bantu
The Favourites
Bantu to many come into the Vodacom Soccer Spectacular finals weekend as the favourites.
After disposing of league champions LCS in the previous round A Matšo Matebele have every right to be considered as such. It has been a wonderful start to the season for Bantu.
Last month the Mafeteng giants won the Independence Cup, their first trophy since 1997 and the guidance of Ntebele “Tata” Taole, Bantu have assumed an air of invincibility. They are Lesotho’s new glamour team and this weekend will be looking to add a second major trophy to the cabinet in as many months.
“We are prepared, our aim is to win and to take the cup,” Taole says simply.
Bantu were involved in a tough battle against LCS on Sunday, only winning on penalties, while Maduma have been rested for two weeks. But Taole says this would not hamper his side. “It’s a big advantage on our side,” Taole says.
Another big advantage, Taole says, is the attitude of the team.
“The luck I had when I joined Bantu was that I found players who want to learn and who listen,” Taole said.
“On Saturday we are going to play a Maduma team that I haven’t seen for two years,” Taole adds. “But their way is similar to Masheshena. They don’t know a different type of game. That is what I told my players, if we come with something different no can come to us and beat us.”
A Bantu win over Maduma could set up a storybook final against Taole’s former side Matlama in the final. Tse Putsoa play LDF in the other semi-final. But Taole is focused only on Maduma.
“I’m just looking at Maduma, nobody else,” Taole says. “The luck I have is the understanding in this Bantu team. I can bring in any player and he will do the same brilliant job,” Taole says.
Though Bantu are favoured, Taole believes winning the Independence Cup won’t count for much come game-day.
“We talked about it. We have to forget about the (Independence) cup because it has passed,” Taole says. “Our only focus is to win the Vodacom Soccer Spectacular. The other cup in Mafeteng is lonely and it needs a friend.”
Matlama
The ‘Home Team’
For Matlama winning is in the club’s DNA, they are Lesotho’s most decorated side after all. It is this culture many feel can drive Tse Putsoa to another historic achievement.
But more than anything, at the weekend at Setsoto it will be their home support that could make the most difference.
On Sunday against Lioli when things got tough the crowd lifted Matlama.
Matlama communications and marketing manager Lesolle Phalatsi and his team will be the ones responsible for bringing out the sea of blue which saw Matlama beat SuperSport United at Setsoto in February.
“We have to win,” Phalatsi says, adding LDF will be tricky opponents.
“LDF are more of a closed book than us. You can’t put your finger on how they play and you can’t really say you have a game-plan,” Phalatsi says. “LDF is the hardest team to play against when you are Matlama, not because they play great football but because it’s hard to identify how to counteract them. We on the other hand are an open book,” Phalatsi adds.
But playing at the Setsoto is home for Matlama.
“The fact that we are playing at Setsoto is a major advantage. Matlama is used to the big stage. Pali (Tšalong), Nkau (Lerotholi), Tšoanelo (Koetle) Dlomo (Monapathi), Tender (Thapelo Mokhehle) even the younger players Tšeliso Ramathe, Jane (Thabantšo) are regulars in the Under-20 side,” Phalatsi says. “Our big stage temperament is huge.”
Playing on the Setsoto turf will also helps Matlama play their traditional passing football. “It helps us and it suits us more than people who just kick the ball forward,” Phalatsi says.
In the end it Matlama’s key is their home support. Phalatsi says Setsoto will be a sea of blue and it will be celebrating victory come Sunday evening.
“You haven’t seen the best of Matlama’s support. You will see it on Saturday and Sunday. Our players will give it a run and I don’t think there’s a team that will beat Matlama with our twelfth man,” Phalatsi says.
LDF
The Dark-horses
LDF are always there in the thick of the action and here they are again battling in the final stages of a major tournament. Winning is the culture of the team. But one thing is beginning to irritate Sohle-Sohle. Since winning the league in 2004 LDF have won just one trophy, the Buddie Top 4 in 2008. It is too long a period for a team whose mere mention once struck fear into opposition.
Coach Motheo Mohapi was part of the LDF side which dominated Lesotho football in the nineties and he is out to return them to their glory days.
But first the Ratjomose side have to beat Matlama, a side it has been said has the upper hand over LDF.
“I can’t remember when Matlama have had the upper-hand over us. Last season we beat them twice,” Mohapi says. “Even so cup games are different, and we are prepared for a new game. As LDF we want to win every cup.”
“Every game we play there is pressure. Being in a big team like LDF that is something we are used to. It should be under control, the fear to do well should be there but it shouldn’t overcome us,” Mohapi says.
The main thing about LDF is their teamwork.
“Our advantage is that LDF doesn’t have big names. It makes us a unit,” Mohapi says.
LDF are starting to gel too. Last season LDF started building a new team and now sitting at the top of the league it looks like its coming together.
“We are starting to gel. Every game last season we put in one or two new players and now they are used to playing for LDF,” Mohapi says.
LDF are the dark horses for the title.
“Without any doubt (we can win). I have seen the way the players have trained, they are ready,” Mohapi says. “Hopefully they can continue it into the match and if they can win this cup. The players deserve it.”
Vodacom Soccer Spectacular semi-finals
Saturday, 26 November
Setsoto Stadium
Matlama vs. LDF
Bantu vs. Maduma
Matlama vs LDF
