Kick4Life Juventude tightened their hold on the A Division Southern Stream summit on Sunday after grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Quthing LMPS FC in difficult conditions in Quthing.
Kick4Life currently lead the standings with 18 points, ahead of Swallows FC on 13 and Quthing LMPS on 11.
The league leaders travelled south for their penultimate first-round match and were forced to contend with both their opponents and a waterlogged pitch. Recent heavy rains left the surface barely playable, prompting referees and officials to consult both teams before kick-off.
Following a mutual agreement, the match went ahead, though 30 minutes behind the scheduled 15:00 start, as players tested the swampy ground that would shape the entire contest.
From the outset, both teams struggled to control the tempo. Players slipped repeatedly when attempting to accelerate or bring the ball under control, turning the opening half into a test of resilience rather than technical football.
Despite occasional sparks of attacking intent, neither side managed a breakthrough, and the match went into halftime goalless.
Kick4Life’s head coach made a pivotal change at the break, introducing Bakuena Masupha in search of greater pace and physical presence up front. The decision paid off almost immediately.
Fifteen minutes after coming on, Masupha pounced on a loose ball and scored what proved to be the winning goal. His clinical finish not only energised Kick4Life but also deflated the home side, who had battled bravely to keep the visitors at bay.
With the lead secured, Kick4Life displayed composure and tactical discipline, expertly managing the remainder of the match on the treacherous pitch. Their defence held firm under late Quthing LMPS pressure, securing a gritty win that extends their unbeaten streak to eight games.
The victory marked their fifth of the campaign, to go along with three draws, keeping them firmly at the top on 18 points.
Kick4Life now turn their attention to their last first-round fixture on 13 December against Summit FC, hoping to close out the year unbeaten and in full control of the Southern Stream title race.
Meanwhile, despite their recent road accident, Mzamane FC remain top of the Northern Stream with 19 points, followed by Lilemela FC on 15 and Bua-Sono United on 14.
A Division weekend round-up:
Southern Stream Results:
Swallows 2–1 05 United; Mahlaseli 0–0 Villa (Summit); Quthing LMPS 0–1 Kick4Life Juventude; Qoaling Highlanders 0–2 Liponono; ACE Maseru vs All Aces (postponed).
Northern Stream Results:
Rangers 1–1 Mzamane; Happy Hearts 1–1 Lilemela; Bua-Sono 0–0 Litšehlo; BB Warriors 2–1 Black 5 (CCX); Litšilo 0–2 Sehenehene.
Summary
- Kick4Life Juventude tightened their hold on the A Division Southern Stream summit on Sunday after grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Quthing LMPS FC in difficult conditions in Quthing.
- With the lead secured, Kick4Life displayed composure and tactical discipline, expertly managing the remainder of the match on the treacherous pitch.
- Kick4Life now turn their attention to their last first-round fixture on 13 December against Summit FC, hoping to close out the year unbeaten and in full control of the Southern Stream title race.
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.
