Mafoso’s ‘messianic’ return

MASERU – Bantu have called on Bob Mafoso to save their Vodacom Premier League title hopes.

Mafoso, who led ‘A Matšo Matebele’ to the league crown in 2020, has made a sensational return to Mafeteng on a two-month deal to replace South African coach Abram Mongoya.

Just two months ago, Bantu appeared to be cruising towards a fourth title in the past five seasons but three defeats in their last four games coupled with Lesotho Defence Defence’s (LDF) great run of four wins in their last five matches has dropped Bantu to second place with six just games to go.

Panic has gripped Mafeteng and the final straw was Sunday’s 1-0 shattering loss to LDF which moved the army side into first place with 53 points while Bantu have 52.

The next day Mongoya left Bantu as shock grasped the whole of Mafeteng.

In an effort to save their sinking ship, the club announced Mafoso’s return yesterday and he will be in charge this weekend against Swallows as the Mafeteng giants try to reclaim top spot.

It is a must win-game because it is not only LDF that Bantu have to contend with, Linare (51 points) and Matlama (50 points) are breathing heavily down their necks just behind them.

Any more slip ups and Bantu could find themselves fourth by the end of the season.

Bantu’s spokesperson Pule Mosoatsi said Mafoso was the best candidate for the job as he is already familiar with the players and how they play. Mafoso has had a tumultuous season himself. He left rivals Lioli last November, just six months after taking over the Teyateyaneng side.

“He left us to join Lioli but did not stay long, after leaving them he had been with us and he is aware of our tactics and what is needed,” Mosoatsi said of Mafoso.

“He knows the players and that’s what made him the best candidate unlike engaging a new person. For now, it’s until the end of the season, and if we are happy then we will see. His mandate is to win us the league,” he said.

Mafoso first joined Bantu as James Madidilane’s assistant in 2016 and won two league titles as well as the Independence Cup. In 2019, he took over as head coach from the South African and won the league title again by the end of the 2019/20 season.

It is no surprise the club went back to him. With Mafoso, Bantu have a chance of overtaking their competition as the title enters the final sprint.

Weekend fixtures (15:00):
Saturday:
Naughty Boys vs. Galaxy (Leshoboro Stadium)
Matlama vs. Lifofane (Setsoto Stadium)
Lioli vs. Manonyane (Teyateyaneng)
LDF vs. LCS (LDF Ground)
Sunday:
Linare vs. LMPS (DIFA Leribe)
Swallows vs. Bantu (PTC)
Machokha vs. Liphakoe (LCS Ground)
CCX vs. Lijabatho (LCA)

Vodacom Premier League table:

Tlalane Phahla