Matlama FC captain, Jane Thabants’o, shared his thoughts after leading his team to a crucial 1-0 victory over Lioli FC in a Vodacom Premier League match held at Bambatha TTC on Saturday.
The win marked a significant moment for Matlama, as they secured three vital points against a team they have struggled to beat in recent times.
Speaking about the team’s performance and his contribution to the decisive goal, Thabants’o said
“We worked very hard to win this game, and we needed these three points, either in a good way or a painful way.”
Thabants’o played a key role in the goal that sealed the win for Matlama, showing his resilience despite concerns over his fitness. He had sustained an injury in the previous game, raising doubts about his availability for this match. Addressing these concerns, he explained.
“I was not sure whether I would be in the coach’s plans, but two days before this game, I recovered. That’s why the coach included me in the starting eleven,” Thabants’o said.
This victory was particularly sweet for Matlama, as they had not defeated Lioli FC in a long time. Thabants’o revealed how he motivated his teammates before the match, emphasizing the importance of breaking the losing streak.
“It has been painful that Lioli FC has been winning trophies against us. We pushed ourselves so much for this game because we really wanted these three points,” he said
When asked about the team’s goals for the season, the captain made it clear that Matlama FC is aiming high:
“We want to finish this 2024/2025 season as number one.”
Although Thabants’o was substituted at the start of the second half, his leadership and first-half efforts were instrumental in helping Matlama secure the win. The team’s determination and unity were evident throughout the match, giving their fans hope for a successful season.