For a club that has built its reputation on storming title races from the very first whistle of the season, Matlama Football Club’s sluggish start to the 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) campaign is raising more questions than answers.
Last Sunday, Tse Putsoa were held to a frustrating goalless draw by league newcomers Maroala FC at the LCS Grounds, a result that followed a 1–1 stalemate against Lijabatho FC on the opening weekend.
Two games, two draws, and just a single goal to show for it, hardly the statement Matlama supporters had hoped for. Traditionally, Matlama are known to set the early pace in the title race, using their pedigree and attacking flair to strike fear into rivals.
This time, however, they look a shadow of that formidable side, and for new head coach Shalane Lehohla, the slow start has added an unwelcome layer of pressure as he tries to impose his philosophy on a squad still finding its shape.
Following the stalemate against Maroala, Lehohla admitted that his team fell short of expectations.
“In every game, our goal is to win, but football can go either way,” he said.
“We are still building a new, fresh team, and most players are not yet used to playing together. It is going to take time to find our rhythm.”
The coach has been keen to emphasise patience, describing the season as “a marathon.” Yet, in the context of Matlama’s lofty standards, patience is a rare commodity. Their faithful supporters, accustomed to blistering starts and dominant displays, have found little consolation in the rhetoric of “building phases” and “long-term vision.”
Lehohla has already made bold moves by introducing several new faces into the starting line-up, a clear attempt to stamp his identity on the team. But with just one goal in two matches, the experiment has so far looked more like a gamble than a masterstroke.
“The most important aspect is scoring goals. No matter how well we play, if we do not put the ball in the net, it counts for nothing. We need to build the players’ confidence and normalise scoring in every match,” Lehohla admitted.
That attacking bluntness has been another red flag. Matlama’s pedigree as perennial title challengers has always been underpinned by firepower up front. Now, the lack of cutting edge is fast becoming the story of their season.
“If the team does not win, supporters will be disappointed, but what matters is sticking together and working towards a stronger side,” Lehohla added, clearly aware of the growing tension in the terraces.
Meanwhile, their opponents Maroala had every reason to celebrate. For the rookies, a goalless draw against a club of Matlama’s stature was a milestone in their maiden top-flight campaign. Head coach Kenny Mohooanyane hailed the result as progress after his side opened the season with a 2–0 loss to LDF FC.
“Coming from a defeat to a draw is progress. We managed to correct some of the mistakes from our first game,” Mohooanyane said.
He also admitted that his players initially showed “too much respect” to a heavyweight like Matlama but praised their improved mentality and spirit.
“There was talk that Maroala has been given tough fixtures to start the season, but in truth, there are no tough games. It simply means we are now competing at the highest level,” he said.
The earned point was a confidence booster for Maroala, while it was another reminder for Matlama that their season has begun in a crawl rather than a sprint.
Matlama next face a wounded LDF FC side, following their 2-1 defeat by the resurgent Linare FC. The LDF fixture could further expose their current fragility if improvements are not made.
Summary
- For a club that has built its reputation on storming title races from the very first whistle of the season, Matlama Football Club’s sluggish start to the 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) campaign is raising more questions than answers.
- Last Sunday, Tse Putsoa were held to a frustrating goalless draw by league newcomers Maroala FC at the LCS Grounds, a result that followed a 1–1 stalemate against Lijabatho FC on the opening weekend.
- This time, however, they look a shadow of that formidable side, and for new head coach Shalane Lehohla, the slow start has added an unwelcome layer of pressure as he tries to impose his philosophy on a squad still finding its shape.
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.
