Kananelo Mokhele
Under the floodlights of DIFA Maputsoe Stadium in Leribe, Matlama FC proved once again why they are the team to beat in the Lesotho Premier League (VPL) this season.
On March 1, the league leaders secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over struggling Mzamane FC, keeping their title aspirations firmly on track as the season heads into its final stretch.
It was a tense encounter, with both teams displaying impressive resolve and determination. However, Matlama’s attacking efficiency and unwavering defence made all the difference in the end.
Thamae Katiso, whose name has become almost synonymous with Matlama’s title charge, scored the only goal of the match. His clinical finish in the second half capped off yet another fine performance, securing his side all three points.
Katiso’s goal sparked wild celebrations among the Matlama faithful, reinforcing the club’s position as the front-runners in the race for the VPL crown.
His ability to find the back of the net at crucial moments this season has been one of the key factors in Matlama’s dominance, with the team now sitting comfortably at the top of the league standings with 45 points from 19 matches.
They are followed in second place by the reigning VPL champions, Lioli FC with 42 points from the same number of games. Bantu FC is in third place with 38 points, while LMPS FC comes fourth with 37 points.
While the win was crucial for Matlama’s pursuit of the league title, it was yet another tough blow for Mzamane, who continue to battle relegation. The team fought valiantly to find an equaliser, but their efforts were thwarted by Matlama’s resolute defence.
The visitors, despite showing flashes of creativity in attack, simply could not break down Matlama’s backline. Mzamane remains rooted at the bottom of the table, with just 7 points from 19 matches, desperately searching for solutions to stay afloat in the league.
The victory marked Matlama’s second triumph over Mzamane this season. In their previous encounter on December 15, 2024, Matlama delivered a commanding 3-0 performance, further underlining the significant gap between the two teams. While the results were different in scoreline, the pattern of dominance has remained clear: Matlama has been the superior side in every department.
The consistency Matlama has displayed throughout the season continues to set them apart from their rivals. With only a handful of matches remaining, the team, led by Charles Manda will be keen to maintain their current form and ensure they are the team lifting the VPL trophy come season’s end.
Their lead at the top has allowed them to build a comfortable cushion over their closest competitors, and at this point, it would take a monumental collapse for them to relinquish their position.
With Lioli breathing down their necks in second place, Matlama find themselves in a familiar situation to last season’s where together with Lioli, the two clubs took their fight for the league honours to the final day of the season, where Lioli prevailed to lift the title.
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