sports

Dec. 16, 2021

STAFF REPORTER

2 min read

No need to press panic buttons - Bantu president

No need to press panic buttons - Bantu president

Bantu President, Leuta John Leuta

Story highlights

    Defending league champions have also lost several their players, who have failed to show up for training
    Leuta denies claims the team is in talks with former head coach, James Madidilane to return

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LEUTA John Leuta, Bantu FC President, says it is too early to press the panic buttons for the Mafeteng-based outfit after last weekend’s loss to LDF in their first match after the long layoff.

The defending league champions have also lost several their players, who have failed to show up for training since local football activities were given the green light to resume.

The trio of Bokang Sello, Lekhooa Khoete and Keamogetse Wollf reportedly went AWOL and are yet to report for camp since the club returned to training while the team has parted ways with its star defender, Lebohang Shelleng.

“It is true we have released some of our players since local football was on a long break,” Leuta said.

“Some came to us and warned us that they have been offered a chance to play elsewhere and we couldn’t stand in their way because in South Africa, their leagues were still in action.

“It is true that we had an awfully huge squad so much so that in some positions, there were about three players fighting to be in the starting line-up.”

The Bantu President also rubbished reports that the management of the team has been in talks with former head coach, James Madidilane over the possibility of re-engaging him.

“None of us has ever contacted Madidilane over a possible return to the club and he has also rubbished allegations of such talks,” the Bantu boss stated.

“Bob Mafoso is our coach and still has a year to go on his contract. He is holding training sessions as we now speak.

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“He has a bereavement hence he was not on the bench in last weekend’s loss to LDF, but there is no need for our supporters to panic over that loss,” he said.

Leuta feels that the defeat to LDF should not be a reason to panic and is adamant that they will get their groove back soon, especially after the long layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is part and parcel of football. I know people are used to Bantu dominating having nearly gone unbeaten last season before football was halted by the pandemic,” he says.

“We were bound to lose at some stage and what is important now is how to regroup and find the way to the top again,” he adds.

Bantu will be in action again this weekend as they face LMPS at Ratjomose Barracks in the Vodacom Premier League catch up matches.

 

 

 

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