Cup win galvanises Lioli

Having recently lifted the 2026 People’s Cup trophy, Lioli Football Club has set their sight on ending the 2025/2026 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) season on a high.

Lioli were crowned champions of the 2026 People’s Cup following a dramatic 5-4 victory on penalties over Bantu FC after a 1-1 draw in the final played at Bocheletsane Stadium in Mantšonyane, Thaba-Tseka, last weekend.

But their league form has been inconsistent this season, as they are currently sitting sixth on the log table on 56 points with three matches to go. The defending league champions are already mathematically out of the title race as they trail log leaders Lijabatho FC by 10 points.

This means that even if they were to win all their remaining games, and Lijabatho loose all theirs, Lioli would still not have enough points to defend their league title.

Reacting to his charges’ capture of the People’s Cup, Head Coach Halemakale Mahlaha expressed confidence that they can carry their cup form into the league and finish strongly.

“We have to finish this league in a way that is going to give Lioli dignity. We will celebrate today and tomorrow, and then return to the field to prepare and finish the season respectfully,” he said.

Lioli’s path to glory was anything but easy. They secured their place in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lijabatho in the first semifinal, while Bantu  FC edged Matlama FC 1-0 in the second semifinal.

In the final, Lioli started brightly and took the lead in the 21st minute through Thabang Klaas, who capitalised on early dominance. Bantu, however, gradually settled into the contest, utilising long balls to forwards MotseKhiba and Moeketsi Sekola.

Their persistence paid off just before half-time when Khiba found the equaliser to bring the sides level.

The second half saw both teams make tactical adjustments in search of a winner, but neither could break the deadlock, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Lioli held their nerve from the spot to clinch a 5-4 victory, denying Bantu the chance to defend the title they won last year.

For their triumph, Lioli walked away with M400,000 in prize money, while runners-up Bantu received M200,000. Semifinalists Lijabatho and Matlama each earned M100,000.

Lioli also dominated individual accolades, with Retšelisitsoe Moepi named Player of the Tournament and Teboho Letuka awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament, receiving M5,000 and M2,000 respectively.

Mahlaha emphasised that winning the tournament was crucial for his team, particularly after falling short in their VPL title defence.

“We were very determined to win this tournament. We even started our preparations earlier than usual. Although we have not done well in the league this season, this tournament gave us an opportunity to win something for ourselves and our supporters,” he said.

Reflecting on the final, Mahlaha credited his players’ tactical discipline and intelligence, especially against a physically strong Bantu side.

“Physically, Bantu had the upper hand, but our players showed intelligence. We managed the game well and pushed it to penalties. They did a great job,” he added.

The coach also expressed gratitude for the support and belief shown by the club’s leadership since his arrival earlier this year.

“When I arrived, the club president made it clear that while the league campaign was not going well, he wanted this cup. I am happy that, with God’s help, we were able to achieve that,” Mahlaha said.

Seabata Mahao

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.