Lioli Football Club is just one point away from clinching the 2024/25 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) title, with two games remaining in what has been an intense and dramatic season.
The Teyateyaneng-based giants sit atop the league standings with 67 points from 28 matches. Following their convincing 2–0 win over LMPS FC this past Sunday, Lioli now need only a single point from their remaining two fixtures to secure the championship, and put the title mathematically out of reach for their closest rivals, Matlama FC.
Matlama, currently in second place with 61 points, face a near-impossible task. To snatch the title, Tse Putsoa must win both of their remaining fixtures with significant goal margins, more than four goals in total, while also hoping Lioli lose both of their upcoming matches.
Even in such a scenario, the title would be decided on goal difference, with Lioli currently enjoying a superior tally.
Last Saturday, Matlama ended their frustrating five-match winless run by beating Limkokwing 2–0 under the guidance of interim coach Dlomo Monapathi. The win breathed some life into their fading title hopes.
Still, Lioli remain in full control of their destiny. Just a draw from either of their remaining two matches will take them to 68 points, a total no other club can reach this season. It would also mark a remarkable comeback for Tse Nala, who had experienced a dip in form midway through the season, briefly falling behind Matlama.
Their resurgence has been nothing short of impressive, reclaiming top position and holding it firmly through the final stretch.
Matlama, on the other hand, will be left to rue a costly run of poor form. Dropping critical points through avoidable losses and draws in recent weeks has severely damaged their title charge. While their fans cling to hope, it is clear the odds are heavily stacked against them.
Should Lioli get the job done in their next match, the 2024/25 league crown will officially return to Teyateyaneng, capping off a season of resilience, determination, and tactical superiority.
Meanwhile, the battle at the opposite end of the table is just as tense. Newly promoted Mzamane FC are rooted to the bottom with only 11 points and look certain to return to the A Division after just one season in the top flight.
Joining them in the relegation battle are Liphakoe and ACE Maseru, both tied on 15 points. The two sides are set to face off in a do-or-die clash this Saturday, a match that could determine which of them survives the drop. The stakes could not be higher, with the loser of that fixture likely to join Mzamane in the relegation zone.
As the league draws to a close, the coming weekends will be crucial in deciding the final standings, crowning the champions, confirming the top four, and sealing the fate of clubs fighting for survival.
With the title within touching distance, Lioli fans are already daring to dream. For Matlama, the curtain may be falling on what once looked like a promising campaign. All eyes now turn to the final rounds, where history will be written on the pitch.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
