Kananelo Mokhele
Log leaders Lijabatho FC remain at the summit of the Vodacom Premier League despite being held to a 1–1 draw by LDF FC in a tightly contested encounter on Wednesday this week.
The result moves Lijabatho to 52 points after 25 matches, preserving a slim lead over second-placed Lifofane FC on 49 points. LDF, meanwhile, stay seventh with 43 points as the campaign enters a decisive phase.
Both sides showed attacking intent from the outset in a match that lived up to expectations. LDF broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through Mokilane Mokete, handing the visitors a 1–0 lead at halftime.
Lijabatho responded strongly after the break, dominating possession and applying sustained pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Tšotleho Jane found the equaliser to bring the home side level.
Despite late efforts from both teams to claim maximum points, neither could find a winner, and the match ended in a share of the spoils.
The draw comes at a crucial stage of the season, with the title race tightening among the top contenders. Bantu FC and Matlama FC are also in close pursuit, both sitting on 48 points.
Speaking after the match, Lijabatho’s head coach James Madidilane remained optimistic.
“I still believe this is not a bad result. While we always aim for maximum points given our position and the number of games remaining, a draw is better than a loss at this stage.
“We struggled in the first 20 minutes and lacked cohesion in defence, but we improved as the game went on. We will take the point and now shift our focus to the next match.”
LDF’s head coach Malefetsane Pheko also reflected on the performance, pointing to areas that need improvement.
“Despite the draw, the performance was satisfactory. The main area we need to improve is maintaining concentration throughout the game. My team came into the match fully determined to defeat Lijabatho FC, but the draw has had an impact on our standing.
“Overall, I am pleased with the players’ performance, though there were moments where we lost concentration, and that’s something we will go back and improve on.”
Attention now turns to a crucial round of fixtures, headlined by a top-of-the-table clash between Lijabatho and Lifofane, which could significantly shape the direction of the 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League title race.
Upcoming fixtures
Saturday, 11 April 2026
Majantja FC v Linare FC – 10:00, Setsoto Stadium
Lifofane FC v Lijabatho FC – 12:30, Setsoto Stadium
Matlama FC v Lioli FC – 15:00, Setsoto Stadium
Manonyane FC v Bantu FC – 17:30, Setsoto Stadium
Sunday, 12 April 2026
Liphakoe FC v Members FC – 13:00, Ratjomose
LMPS FC v LDF FC – 15:00, PTC Grounds
LU FC v Machokha FC – 15:30, Ratjomose
LCS FC v Maroala FC – 15:30, LCS Grounds
Summary
- Log leaders Lijabatho FC remain at the summit of the Vodacom Premier League despite being held to a 1–1 draw by LDF FC in a tightly contested encounter on Wednesday this week.
- Despite late efforts from both teams to claim maximum points, neither could find a winner, and the match ended in a share of the spoils.
- Attention now turns to a crucial round of fixtures, headlined by a top-of-the-table clash between Lijabatho and Lifofane, which could significantly shape the direction of the 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League title race.
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