Bantu and Lijabatho, two sides in rampant form, will meet at the LCS ground on Sunday in a clash that could shape the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) title race, after the leaders thrashed Lifofane 5-1 and Lijabatho beat Matlama 3-1 in a catch-up fixture.
Lijabatho’s win handed Matlama their first defeat of the season, though the hosts also conceded their first goal of the campaign. The race for the summit remains finely poised, with Bantu one point ahead of Matlama, who have played one match fewer. Lijabatho now have the chance to dislodge the leaders and strengthen their position in the 2026/27 campaign.
Coach Tiisetso Molete said his side performed well despite missing some players. His technical team, he explained, had studied Matlama’s previous two matches and devised a strategy to disrupt their midfield play.
“We were able to watch Matlama’s two previous matches and how they played, so we realised that they hold their ball in the midfield while playing with a back three. We enforced pressure on the midfield while covering their mistakes,” Molete said.
He said the win would help the team’s ambitions, but admitted that conceding was not part of the plan.
Lijabatho and Matlama players in actions ,“Our plan was to hold the ball and not let them take the ball, so we only let them play in front of us, not behind us. This match was also a preparation match for our upcoming match on Sunday against Bantu,” Theko said.
“This win will assist us in our plan to retain our position. However, we did not plan to concede any goal. This match gave us another chance to prepare for Bantu, as they play similar football, so we are confident,” he said.
Man of the Match Khosimotse Theko said Lijabatho went into the contest with a clear strategy and a determination to take maximum points.
“Our plan was to hold the ball and not let them take the ball, so we only let them play in front of us, not behind us. This match was also a preparation match for our upcoming match on Sunday against Bantu,” Theko said.
Matlama coach Thabile Secker acknowledged that defensive errors had cost his side, despite what he considered a reasonable overall performance.
“The first half was not good because we made stupid mistakes at the back, given the calibre of our players, in contrast to the second half of the match,” Secker said.
He added that suspensions and injuries had affected the squad, but that the available players remained capable of delivering.
“Even though our club has a lot of suspensions and injuries, we are one team and we work as a team, so available players will do the work,” he said.
Secker said Matlama were punished for errors that their opponents converted into goals.
“We made mistakes and our opponents took chances and scored through our mistakes. This is how football matches are; a club loses through its mistakes,” he said.
Bantu, meanwhile, underlined their title credentials with a 5-1 win over Lifofane at Bambatha Stadium on Saturday, lifting their tally to 12 goals in six matches.
Lintle Chocholo scored twice, opening the scoring in the sixth minute and doubling the lead nine minutes later. Bakoena Ramakatsa added a third before half-time, giving Bantu a 3-0 cushion at the break.
Motse Khiba made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute after a defensive error by Lifofane, who pulled one back in the 70th minute. Hlompho Phalatsi completed the rout in the 86th.
Coach Motheo Mohapi said the club’s aim was to restore Bantu to their former glory.
“The way this famous team used to play is the approach we always prepare for. It is how we want to continue playing as we work to restore the team to its former position,” Mohapi said.
He said the team prepared thoroughly, mindful of the difficulties they faced against Lifofane last season.
“We came into this match highly motivated because things were not easy for us when we played Lifofane last season. We knew that if we relaxed even slightly, they would punish us, so we prepared very seriously,” he said.
Lifofane coach Nkosa Mabena admitted that defensive errors and a poor start undermined his side.
“We have identified all the mistakes we made, and we will go back, reorganise ourselves and return as a stronger team for our next match,” Mabena said.
He also praised Bantu for making the most of their chances.
Elsewhere, LCS and LDF played out a goalless draw at the LCS ground on Sunday. LCS frustrated the army side with a disciplined defensive display, keeping highly rated striker Katleho Makateng at bay. They were the stronger side in the opening half but could not convert their dominance into goals.
Coach Sidwell ‘City’ Mothea said his players had done enough to win but lacked the finishing touch.
“I am very proud of my club’s performance. We were in control of LDF in the first half. We created chances, controlled the tempo of the game, and were intentional with the ball, but we failed to score the goals,” Mothea said.
LDF improved after the break and looked more dangerous, but could not capitalise. Midfielder Lehlohonolo Matsau, named Man of the Match, voiced concern about the team’s struggles in front of goal.
“Honestly, our only concern is the lack of goals. Since the beginning of the week, we have worked very hard on our shooting practices and strategies for finding goals, but we still lacked the killer instinct today,” Matsau said.
He welcomed the individual recognition, saying he was pleased with his contribution. The draw left both sides on seven points after six matches, with LCS seventh and LDF eighth on goal difference.
Machokha drew 1-1 with Mzamane, Lioli and Majantja played out a goalless draw, and LU FC lost 1-2 to Matlama. Lijabatho also beat Members 2-0. Scores for Villa v LMPS and Linare v Manonyane were not provided.
The VPL action continues on Saturday, with Lifofane facing Villa at Saxophone Thejane Technical Centre, Members taking on LU FC at the LCS ground, LMPS meeting LCS at the LCS ground, and Majantja hosting Machokha at Sebatana Russel Technical Centre. All four matches kick off at 15:00.
On Sunday, Mzamane face LDF, and the much-anticipated Lijabatho-Bantu clash takes place at the LCS ground, both at 15:00. At Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, Manonyane meet Lioli at 13:00 before Matlama face Linare at 15:00.
Summary
- Bantu and Lijabatho, two sides in rampant form, will meet at the LCS ground on Sunday in a clash that could shape the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) title race, after the leaders thrashed Lifofane 5-1 and Lijabatho beat Matlama 3-1 in a catch-up fixture.
- Lijabatho and Matlama players in actions ,“Our plan was to hold the ball and not let them take the ball, so we only let them play in front of us, not behind us.
- “Even though our club has a lot of suspensions and injuries, we are one team and we work as a team, so available players will do the work,” he said.
Senior journalist and communications professional with extensive experience in general news reporting, specializing in business and sports journalism. Skilled in public speaking, media relations, and strategic communication, with a proven ability to deliver accurate, engaging, and impactful stories.
A strong team player who thrives in collaborative environments and adapts effectively to diverse working conditions. Passionate about continuous learning, professional growth, and enhancing communication practices to meet evolving industry demands.
