After a week-long FIFA international break, the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) returns with seven fixtures, headlined by a highly anticipated clash between two clubs with contrasting fortunes.
Majantja FC, the surprise leaders this season, take on struggling newcomers Maroala FC on Sunday at the Sebatana Russell Technical Centre.
Majantja have impressed with consistent, disciplined performances that have kept them at the summit. Their balanced attack and sturdy defence have sparked early whispers of a potential title tilt, provided they maintain the momentum.
But Maroala, who are languishing in position 15 with five points, have shown they can trouble big teams, most notably with their stunning 1–0 victory over defending champions Lioli three weeks ago.
Sunday will also mark Maroala’s first match since parting ways with head coach Kenny Mohoanyane, the man who guided them to top-flight promotion. His move to Lioli as assistant coach leaves Maroala with the challenge of stabilising quickly without their architect.
The weekend’s action begins at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, where inconsistent Bantu FC face bottom-placed Members FC. Bantu are coming off a morale-boosting 4–1 win over LU FC, while Members were beaten 1–0 by Machokha FC and 2–0 by Majantja in their last two outings.
Fresh from lifting the Cherry Cup in Ficksburg, Lioli resume their title defence against Liphakoe. The champions sit fourth after a mixed start, while Liphakoe’s turbulent run of only two wins in eight matches has left them flirting with the relegation zone. Both teams badly need points.
Manonyane’s clash with Matlama, originally part of a triple-header, has been postponed due to Matlama players joining the national Under-20 side, Makoanyane XI. The delay may benefit Matlama, who are winless in their last three matches and would have been without head coach Shalane Lehohla, currently with Mehalalitoe for friendly matches in eSwatini.
Sunday’s marquee fixture sees Linare and LCS meet in a battle between two of the league’s most consistent sides. With identical records of four wins, two losses and a draw, both teams enter the match in confident form.
Elsewhere, Lifofane aim to build on their 3–0 win over Matlama when they face the stubborn LMPS, while LU FC look to stop their losing streak against in-form Lijabatho. Machokha, who have slipped to 10th after a strong start, face an LDF side riding the momentum of three straight victories.
Summary
- The champions sit fourth after a mixed start, while Liphakoe’s turbulent run of only two wins in eight matches has left them flirting with the relegation zone.
- The delay may benefit Matlama, who are winless in their last three matches and would have been without head coach Shalane Lehohla, currently with Mehalalitoe for friendly matches in eSwatini.
- With identical records of four wins, two losses and a draw, both teams enter the match in confident form.
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.
