The 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) season is heading for a dramatic conclusion, with just two matches remaining and the championship race tightening among three top contenders Lijabatho, Bantu, and Matlama FC.
Lijabatho currently sit at the summit of the standings with 59 points, needing just three more to reach 62 and secure their maiden league title. However, their path to glory is anything but straightforward.
They face two of the league’s heavyweights, Lioli and Matlama, in their final fixtures encounters that could either cement their dominance or derail their campaign at the final hurdle.
Should Lijabatho stumble in both matches, the door could swing open for Bantu, who trail in second place with 55 points. Bantu’s run-in appears comparatively favourable, with fixtures against LCS and LMPS FC, teams they are expected to overcome.
Two victories for Bantu, coupled with consecutive losses for Lijabatho, would see the title shift dramatically.
Matlama, also on 55 points but sitting third due to goal difference, remain outsiders in the race. Their hopes hinge not only on winning their remaining matches but also on both Lijabatho and Bantu dropping points. Even then, goal difference could prove decisive, with Lijabatho boasting a superior +39 compared to Bantu’s +21 and Matlama’s +15.
Recent results have not favoured the chasing pack. Bantu were held to a 1–1 draw by Lifofane FC, while Matlama played to a goalless stalemate against LDF. These missed opportunities have allowed Lijabatho to maintain their four-point cushion at the top.
Matlama’s head coach Thabile Secker remains composed despite the pressure. Speaking after the draw with LDF, he emphasised a focus on one match at a time.
“We are not under pressure. We prefer to concentrate on the task at hand rather than external factors,” said Secker. He also acknowledged the physical strength and experience of LDF FC, noting that his youthful squad competed well under the circumstances.
Matlama’s next assignment is against bottom-placed Maroala FC, a must-win fixture before their decisive clash with Lijabatho. That final match could offer Matlama a direct shot at disrupting the title race rather than relying on other results.
Beyond the title battle, competition for top-four positions remains intense. LDF, currently seventh, have seen their title ambitions fade. Head coach Malefetsane Pheko admitted as much following their draw with Matlama.
“The title race is beyond us now, but we are still pushing for a top-four finish and to remain in the top eight,” he said.
Mathematically, LDF face an uphill battle, requiring eight points to catch fourth-placed Lifofane, an impossible target with only six points left to play for. However, they appear safe in the top eight, holding a four-point advantage over Linare FC and LCS FC.
At the bottom of the table, the relegation fight is equally gripping. Liphakoe, currently 15th with 17 points, are battling to avoid the drop alongside Maroala, who sit last with 14 points. Liphakoe head coach Dumane Lethakha remains hopeful despite the precarious position.
“I have always believed we will survive,” he said after their goalless draw against Limkokwing. “The players gave everything, but we continue to miss too many chances.”
Lethakha revealed that his side had prepared tactically for Limkokwing, switching to a 3-5-2 formation to counter their opponent’s 4-2-4 system, a plan that yielded defensive stability but lacked attacking finish.
As the league enters its final weekend phase, all eyes turn to a packed fixture schedule. Saturday will feature a quadruple header at Setsoto Stadium, with key matches including Bantu vs. LCS and Lijabatho vs. Lioli. Matlama will take on Maroala later in the day.
Sunday’s action will see Lifofane face LU FC, while Linare host LDF. Elsewhere, Members FC will play LMPS, and Manonyane FCmeet Machokha FC.
Summary
- They face two of the league’s heavyweights, Lioli and Matlama, in their final fixtures encounters that could either cement their dominance or derail their campaign at the final hurdle.
- Speaking after the draw with LDF, he emphasised a focus on one match at a time.
- “The title race is beyond us now, but we are still pushing for a top-four finish and to remain in the top eight,” he said.
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.
