The Vodacom Premier League (VPL) burst back into life in dramatic fashion on Wednesday as Matlama FC and Majantja Football Club played out a tense 1–1 draw in the first league match of 2026, staged at Russel Sebatana Ground in Mohale’s Hoek.
After the festive break, expectations were high for the year’s opening fixture, and while the scoreboard ultimately showed parity, the encounter delivered intensity, late drama and a clear reminder of how unforgiving the title race is shaping up to be.
Matlama, who resumed the campaign under pressure to arrest an inconsistent run, approached the new year opener with urgency. They dominated possession for long spells in the first half, pinning Majantja deep in their own half and probing relentlessly for an early breakthrough.
However, despite their territorial advantage, the traditional giants were left frustrated by wasteful finishing and Majantja’s well-organised defensive block.
Majantja, meanwhile, appeared content to absorb pressure in what was a cautious but disciplined approach. Their compact shape denied Matlama clear-cut chances, allowing the hosts to reach the interval with the scores still level in a match that was steadily building towards a decisive moment.
That moment arrived when Rethabile Mokokoane finally broke the deadlock, putting Matlama ahead and seemingly setting them on course for a morale-boosting start to 2026. The goal sparked celebrations among Matlama supporters, who sensed that the opening-day victory they craved was within reach.
However, the drama that has come to define the Vodacom Premier League was never far away. As Matlama pushed for a second goal, Majantja gradually grew into the contest, showing greater composure on the ball and more ambition going forward.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 77th minute when Limpho Motanya struck the equaliser, silencing the Matlama bench and ensuring the first league game of the year ended with honours even.
Speaking after the match, Majantja’s head coach Bafokeng Mohapi conceded his side had been tested physically but praised their resilience.
“Matlama had a strong physique which we had no match against,” Mohapi said. “They dominated the match and created multiple goal-scoring chances. In the second half we found our form, maintained possession and, despite conceding, we managed to score back.”
On the opposite bench, Matlama’s head coach Shalane Lehohla cut a visibly frustrated figure as he reflected on missed chances that cost his side a winning start to the new year.
“Our players did not want to score even though we created so many chances. We delayed in finding our rhythm, but towards the middle of the first half we returned to our strategy. Majantja are a very tricky side they changed their style of play many times, from short passes to long balls.”
Lehohla added that improving finishing remains a priority for his team. “We are working on our goal-scoring techniques. It is tight at the moment, but I am confident we will get back to our scoring ways.”
Beyond the opener, attention now shifts to a crucial weekend of fixtures as the championship race remains finely balanced. Lijabatho, who trail leaders Lifofane by three points, face a stern away test against Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) on Sunday. A win for the Morija-based side would heap pressure on Lifofane and keep the title contest wide open.
The league table underlines the tight margins at the summit. Lifofane lead with 28 points from 13 matches, followed closely by Lijabatho on 25 points from 12 games. Lioli, Majantja and Bantu are all locked on 24 points, meaning any slip-up could dramatically alter the standings.
Fans can expect an action-packed weekend as the VPL continues in full swing. On Saturday, Matlama host Members at Bambatha Stadium, while Liphakoe travel to Manonyane in a match to be broadcast live on FIFA+. LMPS face LU FC at the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Ground, and Lioli take on Bantu at Saxophone Thejane in another live FIFA+ fixture.
Sunday’s programme features LDF against Lijabatho and LCS hosting Majantja, both live on FIFA+. Lifofane welcome Machokha at Saxophone Thejane, while Maroala travel to face Linare, as the momentum generated by the dramatic 2026 opener carries into the rest of the league.
Summary
- The Vodacom Premier League (VPL) burst back into life in dramatic fashion on Wednesday as Matlama FC and Majantja Football Club played out a tense 1–1 draw in the first league match of 2026, staged at Russel Sebatana Ground in Mohale’s Hoek.
- After the festive break, expectations were high for the year’s opening fixture, and while the scoreboard ultimately showed parity, the encounter delivered intensity, late drama and a clear reminder of how unforgiving the title race is shaping up to be.
- On the opposite bench, Matlama’s head coach Shalane Lehohla cut a visibly frustrated figure as he reflected on missed chances that cost his side a winning start to the new year.
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.
