League leaders Lijabatho FC will this weekend lock horns with northern giants Linare FC in Maputsoe, a clash that could prove decisive in shaping the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) title race as the season edges closer to its climax.
Lijabatho currently sit proudly at the top of the log with 38 points from 17 matches, while Linare occupy eighth position on 26 points. With second-placed Lifofane FC breathing down their necks on 35 points, Lijabatho know that anything less than victory could narrow their three-point cushion at the summit.
The leaders head into the encounter full of confidence after a commanding 4–0 demolition of Maroala FC on Sunday. Lijabatho asserted their authority early, netting all four goals in the first half. Mpho Teele opened the scoring, Jane Thabantšo followed suit, and Tlotliso Phatsisi wrapped up the rout with a clinical brace.
The victory underlined Lijabatho’s credentials as genuine title favourites. They have now scored 35 goals and conceded just eight, boasting the league’s best defensive record. In contrast, Maroala remain 15th with only 10 points and face a growing relegation threat after conceding 25 goals this season.
Maroala coach Mothobi Molebatsi pointed to defensive lapses as the cause of the heavy defeat but insisted his side is not yet doomed. Lijabatho mentor James Madidilane, meanwhile, praised his players’ discipline and tactical flexibility, saying the match was an opportunity to demonstrate the quality gap between his side and relegation-threatened opponents.
While attention turns to the summit battle, the race for places in the upper half of the table intensified on Sunday when Matlama FC edged rivals Bantu FC 2–1 in a fiercely contested second-round encounter.
Bantu entered the match in fifth position with 31 points, one ahead of seventh-placed Matlama. The win saw Matlama close the gap and revive their ambitions of finishing among the league’s top contenders.
The game began at a brisk pace, and Matlama drew first blood after a costly error by Bantu goalkeeper LehlohonoloMotšoari, who inadvertently deflected TšeleRankhasa’s effort into his own net.
Bantu responded positively and were rewarded through MotseKhiba, affectionately known as LazolaJokojokwane, who produced a moment of brilliance by weaving past three defenders before beating LelumaMofoka to level matters.
However, Matlama regained the lead when MorapeliLesoetsa’s shot took another deflection into the Bantu net, a blow from which Bantu could not recover despite creating chances late on.
After the match, Bantu coach Motheo Mohapi conceded that tactical mistakes cost his side, admitting they spent too much time defending deep and allowed Matlama to dictate play. He also explained the substitution of Tšeliso Botsane shortly after his introduction, saying it was to avoid the risk of a red card as the player was already on a yellow.
Mohapi remained optimistic about new striker Sekola, a former Free State Stars top scorer, believing he will sharpen Bantu’s attack once fully settled.
Matlama coach Thabile Secker lauded his players for executing their training plans, highlighting attacking movement and motivation as key factors behind the victory. Matlama will next face Limkokwing University FC at Bambatha Sports Arena, while Bantu are set for a tough outing against LDF FC at the same venue.
Elsewhere, Majantja claimed a vital 1–0 win over LMPS on Saturday to strengthen their push for a top-three finish. The decisive goal came late when Tšepo Komecapitalised on a defensive lapse to score from close range. Majantja assistant coach MotoloMakepe praised his players’ composure despite difficult pitch conditions, while LMPS interim coach Itumeleng Galeboe lamented the late strike that left his side no time to respond.
At the top end of the table, Lijabatho lead with 38 points, followed by Lifofane on 35, while LDF FC and Lioli FC are locked together on 32 points, a clear indication of how finely balanced the title race has become.
Summary
- While attention turns to the summit battle, the race for places in the upper half of the table intensified on Sunday when Matlama FC edged rivals Bantu FC 2–1 in a fiercely contested second-round encounter.
- He also explained the substitution of Tšeliso Botsane shortly after his introduction, saying it was to avoid the risk of a red card as the player was already on a yellow.
- At the top end of the table, Lijabatho lead with 38 points, followed by Lifofane on 35, while LDF FC and Lioli FC are locked together on 32 points, a clear indication of how finely balanced the title race has become.
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.
