Seabata Mahao
The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Football Club has claimed the top spot in the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) log standings, after edging the defending champions Lioli FC 2-1this week.
The police side has had a brilliant start to the season, securing six wins and three draws with 21 points after nine matches. LMPS is the only side yet to taste defeat so far.
Their latest triumph, which came during the midweek catch-up matches, allowed them to leap-frog their opponents Lioli to first place.
LMPS’s goals came from Moeketsi Setlai and Zanele Phantše, while Teboho Masuoane scored Lioli’s consolation goal. The result which handed Lioli their first of the season left the champions with 19 points in second place.
In reaction to their massive win against Lioli, LMPS head coach, Tiisetso Molete said: “In the first half, we dominated possession by playing a 3-5-2 formation. This allowed us to control the ball and exploit Lioli’s defensive gaps.”
Elsewhere, Bantu FC also suffered their first loss of the season in a 2-0 defeat to Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) FC.
The double-header matches at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena saw LMPS defeating Lioli in the first match, with Mopeli scoring both goals. In the other match, Bantu struggled after their player Thabo Mafatle was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
Bantu’s head coach, James Madidilane, admitted defeat against their superior opponents.
“It was a tough match. Playing with 10 men against a strong team like LDF was challenging. We will regroup and focus on upcoming games.”
The midweek matches also featured an exciting come-from-behind 4-3 victory for Linare FC over ACE Maseru FC at Ratjomose Ground. Linare’s coach, Bob Mafoso, expressed optimism, stating, “Rebuilding the team will take time, but wins like this help us gain momentum.” Manonyane FC and Lifofane FC played to a 1-1 draw at Nyakosoba Ground.
Last weekend’s fixtures showcased some thrilling encounters. Majantja FC impressed with a dominant 3-0 win over Liphakoe FC, while LMPS overwhelmed Mzamane FC 8-1, with Koloti scoring a hat-trick. Matlama FC secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Machokha FC, and LDF and Lifofane played to a goalless draw.
Sunday saw Lioli bounce back with a 4-1 win against ACE Maseru FC, while Bantu continued their strong form, defeating Linare 2-0. LCS FC also claimed a 2-0 victory over Lijabatho FC, and Manonyane FC’s clash with LUFC ended in a goalless draw.
Looking ahead, this weekend’s fixtures promise more action. On Saturday, ACE Maseru will face Matlama FC at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, followed by Liphakoe hosting Bantu FC at 3:30 PM. Lijabatho will take on LDF at Morija Ground at 3:00 PM, and Linare will host Manonyane FC at DIFA Maputsoe.
Sunday’s matches will feature Lifofane against Lioli at Botha-Bothe Ground, LMPS hosting Majantja at Bambatha, Machokha facing Mzamane at Ratjomose at 1:00 PM, and LUFC playing against LCS at Ratjomose at 3:00 PM.
