In one of the biggest upsets of the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) season, debutants Maroala FC shocked reigning champions Lioli FC with a dramatic 1–0 victory to record their first top flight win.
A second-half strike from Timello Thafeng sealed a historic first-ever top-flight win for Maroala, who had gone six matches without tasting victory. The result stunned Lioli, who had been looking to extend their winning streak to three games after impressive back-to-back victories over Lijabatho (2–0) and Linare (4–2).
The defeat leaves Lioli stuck on nine points, a missed opportunity to move into second place and close the gap on log leaders Majantja FC, who top the standings with 13 points.
A jubilant Maroala coach Kenny Mohoanyane hailed the win as a defining moment for his side and a signal that the newcomers are ready to compete at the highest level.
“This was a David versus Goliath battle,” Mohoanyane said.
“Before the match, I told the players we are no longer an A Division side, we are a Premier League team, and we must compete with everyone.”
He praised his players for their discipline and commitment, saying the victory would serve as a major confidence boost.
“The players did very well and stuck to our game plan. This win will be a huge confidence booster,” he said. “We are a small team with talented players. We just need patience.”
Mohoanyane also revealed his motivational message to the team before kickoff, reminding his players that “it only takes a minute for someone’s life to change.”
In contrast, Lioli coach Bongani Maseko expressed frustration at his team’s complacency, suggesting they underestimated their opponents.
“It was an unacceptable performance. I think we won the game before we played it,” Maseko said. “From the stands, it was clear Maroala wanted it more than us.”
He admitted that Lioli’s congested fixture schedule, balancing CAF Champions League matches with domestic games, might have contributed to fatigue, but refused to use that as an excuse.
“We have a strong squad and have been rotating players. Everyone given a chance must perform to the expected standard,” he said firmly.
The shock defeat came just days after Lioli produced a commanding performance in their 4–2 win over Linare FC on Sunday, October 26, at the Saxophone Technical Centre. In that match, Litšepe Marabe, Sihle Maso, Tholang Makuru, and Hlompho Kalake found the net for the champions, while Linare’s Tšepang Sefali and Tumelo Makha scored consolations.
However, the midweek loss to Maroala has raised questions about Lioli’s consistency and their ability to defend the league title amid a packed schedule.
Past weekend results
Lioli FC 4–2 Linare FC, Bantu FC 1–0 Machokha FC, LMPS FC 1–1 Matlama FC, LDF FC 1–0 LCS FC, Majantja FC 2–0 LU FC, Members FC 3–0 Manonyane FC, Lifofane FC 2–0 Maroala FC.
Upcoming Fixtures (Week 7)
November 1, 2025:
- Lijabatho vs Manonyane — Morija Ground (15:00)
- Bantu vs Majantja — S. Russell (15:00)
- LDF vs Lifofane — Ratjomose (15:00)
November 2, 2025:
- Linare vs LU FC — S. Thejane Stadium (13:30)
- Lioli vs LMPS — S. Thejane Stadium (15:30)
- Maroala vs Liphakoe — LCS Ground (13:30)
- Members vs Machokha — LCS Ground (15:30)
- Matlama vs LCS FC — Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena (15:00)
Summary
- The defeat leaves Lioli stuck on nine points, a missed opportunity to move into second place and close the gap on log leaders Majantja FC, who top the standings with 13 points.
- A jubilant Maroala coach Kenny Mohoanyane hailed the win as a defining moment for his side and a signal that the newcomers are ready to compete at the highest level.
- “Before the match, I told the players we are no longer an A Division side, we are a Premier League team, and we must compete with everyone.
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