Mohapi demands title as Bantu shift focus from style to substance

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – Bantu FC head coach Motheo ‘Six-to-Six’ Mohapi is no longer concerned with pretty football. With the Vodacom Premier League title race hurtling towards a dramatic finish, the outspoken tactician has made one thing clear – results come first.

Just two weeks ago, following a gritty 2–1 victory over Manonyane FC, Mohapi hinted that Bantu would embrace aerial dominance to exploit their physical edge. But after Saturday’s 2–0 win over relegation-threatened Liphakoe FC, he sang a different tune.

While delighted with the three points, Mohapi pulled no punches in his assessment of the performance, admitting it fell far short of the fundamental principles he demands from his players.

“Like I said, what we needed today was three points, and nothing else. That was our main aim,” Mohapi said in a post-match interview.

“But even as we chase results, the players must remember the principles of play. In possession, there are principles of attack; out of possession, there are principles of defense.”

According to Mohapi, his side struggled to execute the basics. “Penetration passes and mobility were lacking, which weakened our wing play because movement from inside the field was limited,” he explained.

“When we have the ball, we must address width, depth, penetration, and mobility, both with and without the ball. Those are the principles of attack. And when we lose the ball, we must immediately apply cover, delay, control, and balance. Those are the principles of defense. For a team to perform well, these fundamentals must be respected.”

Despite the tactical shortcomings, Bantu remain firmly in the title hunt. They sit second on the league table with 54 points, just two behind leaders Lijabatho FC and level with third-placed Matlama FC, whom they edge on goal difference.

With only three matches remaining, the championship picture is tantalizingly tight. Bantu and Matlama can each reach a maximum of 63 points if they win out, while Lijabatho could finish on 65.

Adding to the drama, Matlama and Lijabatho will face off in a final-day showdown next month – a fixture that could decide the crown.

Bantu’s remaining fixtures are against LCS FC, LMPS FC, and fourth-placed Lifofane FC, who are lurking dangerously on 53 points, just one behind the top two. Lifofane have long been Bantu’s bogey side, setting the stage for a potentially decisive clash.

Mohapi, however, is embracing the pressure. Speaking with characteristic boldness, he declared: “I say we don’t ask for the league title, we demand it. That’s what we’re chasing, and anyone who feels his feet are too heavy for the task should step aside.”

The former Lioli FC coach is aiming for a third consecutive league crown, having led Lioli to back-to-back championships over the past two seasons before taking the reins at Bantu. Now, with the finish line in sight, he wants nothing less than glory – no matter how it looks.