Mohapi revives aerial gamble in Bantu’s title pursuit

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – In the high-stakes final stretch of the Vodacom Premier League, Bantu FC head coach, Motheo “Six-to-Six” Mohapi, has made a calculated and bold tactical pivot – the return of the long-ball formula.

It is the very system that propelled him and his former club, Lioli FC, to back-to-back league titles in the past two seasons.
Mohapi, who joined Bantu at the start of the 2025/26 campaign after a trophy-laden spell with Lioli, revealed the strategic shift following a tense 2–1 comeback victory over bottom-placed Manonyane FC at Setsoto Stadium on Saturday.

The win was essential, keeping Bantu’s title dreams alive with only four matches remaining.

The revelation marks a significant departure from the possession-based football Mohapi initially instilled at Bantu. Known for his tactical flexibility, the coach had spent the first two-thirds of the season trying to mould the Mafeteng-based giants into a ground-play dominant side. But with the league trophy hanging in the balance, pragmatism has overtaken philosophy.

“At this juncture, we had to switch to aerial play,” Mohapi said in a post-match interview with Public Eye on Saturday.

“By adopting aerial play, we aimed to maximise our strength in the air. That’s why we introduced Sabata (Letlatsa) and SK (Moeketsi Sekola) — because they are dominant in the air.”

The coach explained that Bantu had been struggling to execute effective ground play against a stubborn Manonyane defence.

“We relied on long balls most of the time since we were struggling with ground play,” he admitted. The switch paid immediate dividends, as Bantu overturned a first-half deficit to secure three vital points.

Mohapi’s affinity for the aerial route is no gamble born of desperation — it is a tried and tested method. During his tenure at Lioli, the charismatic coach deployed a direct, physical attacking style that overwhelmed opponents. That system delivered consecutive league titles, establishing Lioli as the dominant force in Lesotho football.

His success earned him a reputation as a master of high-pressure, title-clinching tactics.

When Mohapi crossed the floor to join Bantu at the beginning of this season, many expected him to replicate that winning formula immediately. Instead, he attempted to evolve Bantu’s identity, prioritising possession and build-up play. But with the title chase now at its peak and no room for error, Mohapi has reverted to his comfort zone — and his players are responding.

After Saturday’s hard-fought victory, Bantu climbed from third to second place on the log table, collecting 51 points from 26 matches. They are level on points with arch-rivals Matlama FC, who also have 51 points from the same number of games. Both sides trail log-leaders Lijabatho FC by just two points, with Lijabatho sitting on 53.

The title race has tightened considerably after Lijabatho dropped points in their last two outings. Out of a possible six, they managed only two — courtesy of 1–1 draws against LDF FC and Lifofane FC. Meanwhile, Matlama, unbeaten since Thabile Secker took charge two months ago, edged former champions Lioli 1–0, effectively ending Lioli’s hopes of defending their crown.

Bantu finished third last season, behind Matlama and champions Lioli — a repeat of the 2023/24 campaign. Mohapi is determined to avoid a similar fate.

Mohapi has confirmed that one of Bantu’s lethal strikers, Lazola Jokojokwane, will be available for selection in the upcoming fixtures after serving a one-match suspension for accumulating four yellow cards. His absence was felt against Manonyane, but his return promises to add even more firepower to Bantu’s aerial assault.
“Next week Lazola will be available, giving us even more aerial power with three giant strikers,” Mohapi said.

“Our goal is simple, three points. We want the ball in the net. We want seriousness. We want people to see Bantu as champions.”

Yet Mohapi has not shied away from criticising past shortcomings. He rues missed opportunities in earlier matches and insists that a change in player attitude is long overdue. He singled out Jokojokwane as a prime example of untapped potential.
“Lazola himself wishes the league had started, with the attitude he has now,” Mohapi said. “If he had carried this mindset from the beginning, we wouldn’t be tied on points or relying on other teams. We would be far ahead. That’s why I say players must change their attitude.”

Despite the regrets, Mohapi remains defiantly optimistic.

“Remember, at this stage last season, Bantu had lost hope of winning the championship. Now, hope is alive. We must dream — whether or not we achieve it in the end,” he said.

Bantu’s remaining four fixtures are against Liphakoe FC, LCS FC, LMPS FC, and Lifofane — all winnable on paper, but treacherous in practice. With Mohapi’s aerial gamble now fully activated, and Jokojokwane set to rejoin a strike force built for dominance in the box, Bantu are shaping up as formidable challengers.

The long ball brought Mohapi glory with Lioli. Now, he bets on it to deliver the same for Bantu.