Defending Vodacom Premier League (VPL) champions Lioli FC will face a stern test this weekend when they come up against an in-form LCS FC side in what promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the season.
The clash headlines a rare Super Sunday triple header at Bambatha Sports Arena. The day’s action will kick off with an anticipated showdown between LMPS FC and the revitalised Linare FC, before LU FC taking on a wounded Bantu FC side desperate to rediscover their spark in the second fixture.
The curtain will come down with the big one, where Lioli will lock horns with LCS. Affectionately known as Masheshena, LCS come into the encounter in high spirits after a remarkable 3–0 victory over Matlama FC in their previous outing at the same venue.
The correctional service side showed grit, discipline, and patience before launching a late attacking surge that stunned the capital giants.
In sharp contrast, Lioli have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. The Teyateyaneng-based outfit are winless in two matches, having drawn 0–0 with LMPS FC last weekend following a shock 1–0 loss to league debutants Maroala FC.
Coach Bongani Maseko will be keen to see his charges rediscover the attacking sharpness that defined their championship run last season.
LCS’s victory over Matlama was sparked by a late brace from striker Lisema Lebokollane, whose composure and movement proved decisive. After a tense first half dominated by Matlama’s possession play, Masheshena came alive in the closing stages, punishing their opponents’ defensive lapses to seal all three points.
Lebokollane broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute, coolly slotting home to silence the Matlama supporters. Four minutes later, he struck again with a clinical finish following a swift counterattack.
Matlama’s misery was compounded deep into stoppage time when defender Lekhetho Mohai, under pressure from a cross, headed the ball into his own net, sealing a 3–0 defeat.
The result lifted LCS to second place on the log with 13 points, just behind leaders Majantja FC, while Matlama slid to 10th position with only nine points from seven games.
After the match, Matlama coach Shalane Lehohla expressed frustration with his team’s profligacy in front of goal.
“We created plenty of chances early on but did not take them. In the second half, we lost our energy and focus. Our defense did not perform to the level we expected, and that cost us,” Lehohla said.
He admitted that his tactical changes, bringing on Charlie Hlalele and Molefe Thatho to boost the attack, did not yield the intended results.
“It is frustrating because we controlled much of the game, yet we have nothing to show for it,” he said.
LCS’s coach Leslie Makhetha Notši, on the other hand, was full of praise for his team’s discipline and tactical execution.
“We knew Matlama are a strong side that like to dominate possession. Our plan was to defend well, stay patient, and hit them when the opportunity came and that’s exactly what we did,” said Notši.
He revealed that his side had identified weaknesses in Matlama’s right flank and exploited them to great effect.
“We saw some weaknesses on Matlama’s right flank and told the boys to exploit that area. That is where our first goal came from. Now we will analyse the match, fix a few things, and prepare for the next one.” Notši explained.
Past weekend results:
November 1, 2025: Majantja FC 3–2 Bantu FC; LDF FC 2–1 Lifofane FC; Lijabatho FC 3–0 Manonyane FC.
November 2, 2025: LCS FC 3–0 Matlama FC; Linare FC 4–1 LU FC; Maroala FC 1–1 Liphakoe FC; Machokha FC 1–0 Members FC; Lioli FC 0–0 LMPS FC.
Summary
- Defending Vodacom Premier League (VPL) champions Lioli FC will face a stern test this weekend when they come up against an in-form LCS FC side in what promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the season.
- The day’s action will kick off with an anticipated showdown between LMPS FC and the revitalised Linare FC, before LU FC taking on a wounded Bantu FC side desperate to rediscover their spark in the second fixture.
- Affectionately known as Masheshena, LCS come into the encounter in high spirits after a remarkable 3–0 victory over Matlama FC in their previous outing at the same venue.
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.
