BANTU FC head coach, Bob Mafoso has admitted to having a selection headache over his depleted squad after several of his charges were reported to have gone AWOL as the club prepares to return to action this weekend.

The defending league champions will face LDF in a catch-up match this weekend after the Vodacom Premier League recently made a return following the long layoff.

Players such as Bokang Sello, Lekhooa Khoete and Keamogetse Wolff are reported to have gone absent without leave since the team returned to training over a month ago.

Bantu currently have no natural left-back in their squad having also parted ways with South African born Lebohang Shelleng, who joined them after impressing during his time at Lioli.

“We are called a big team because of the resources that we have and anything that depletes our squad leaves us worried because we have little options,” Mafoso said.

“Our team used to boast about having an even left footed centre-back that gave us a good balance, but we are a big team and still have the quality to adapt to the current situation,” he said.

The Bantu mentor said his side will have to find ways to grind results without a natural left-back as they aim to defend their league title.

“Of course, it will be different without a natural left-back, but we have to find a way to play without it and still get the right balance in the team,” he said.

“It worries us a lot that we do not have a natural left back, but like I said, we are a big team, and we will have to make do with what we have now and get the best out of it.

“We were supposed to return last weekend against Linare, but the match was postponed due to heavy rain and I think the team is ready to return to action now.