…As Lioli tighten grip on VPL race
Matlama FC’s pursuit of the 2024/25 Vodacom Premier League title took a devastating hit this week, as the championship race barrels into its final stretch.
Needing maximum points to stay in contention, Matlama were held to a second consecutive 1–1 draw, this time by a determined Majantja FC on Wednesday.
Just days earlier, they had dropped points in another 1–1 stalemate against LCS FC on Sunday, May 4. The back-to-back draws have left their title ambitions hanging by a thread.
Meanwhile, Lioli FC seized the opportunity, securing two critical wins to take firm control at the top. They beat Linare FC 2–0 on Sunday and edged Mzamane FC 1–0 away in Mokhotlong on Wednesday, pushing them to 64 points, six clear of second-placed Matlama, who now sit on 58.
With only three matches left, Matlama’s margin for error has vanished. Even if they win all their remaining games, they will max out at 67 points. Lioli, with four games to play, need just a win and a draw to secure the championship.
Still, Matlama’s Public Relations Officer, Themba Talane, urged fans not to give up.
“It is not over yet. We must win our remaining games and focus on our own performance,” he said.
Talane acknowledged, however, that the club had squandered key chances.
“We had a chance to go ahead and put pressure on Lioli, but we lost control. It is painful. This could be the second straight season where we come up short,” he admitted.
In contrast, confidence is growing in the Lioli camp. Head coach Motheo Mohapi praised his side’s resilience and discipline.
“We are very pleased with the win. Three points are what matter most at this stage,” he said following their victory in Mokhotlong.
Responding to critics who dismissed Lioli’s playing style as “kite football,” Mohapi fired back: “Let them talk, we are proving we can win with any style. What matters is consistency and results.”
While the title fight grabs headlines, the relegation battle is just as fierce. Mzamane FC sit bottom with 11 points, followed by Liphakoe FC (12) and ACE Maseru (14).
ACE’s 2–2 draw with LDF may offer a lifeline, but the pressure remains immense with just three matches to go.
Midweek Results:
- LU FC 0–1 Lijabatho FC
- ACE Maseru 0–2 Bantu FC
- Machokha FC 1–2 Manonyane FC
- Linare FC 1–2 Lifofane FC
- LMPS FC 0–1 LCS FC
- Liphakoe FC 0–1 LDF FC
Upcoming Fixtures – Week 28
Saturday, May 10, 2025:
- LU FC vs. Matlama FC (Ratjomose Ground)
- Lifofane FC vs. Majantja FC (Botha-Bothe Ground)
- LDF FC vs. Bantu FC (Ratjomose Ground)
Sunday, May 11, 2025:
- Lijabatho FC vs. Mzamane FC (Morija Ground)
- LMPS FC vs. Lioli FC (PTC Ground)
- Liphakoe FC vs. Machokha FC (Ratjomose Ground)
- Linare FC vs. ACE Maseru FC (DIFA Maputsoe)
- LCS FC vs. Manonyane FC (Ratjomose Ground)
As the season reaches its dramatic climax, every goal, every point, and every mistake could decide who lifts the trophy, and who drops to the lower tier. For Matlama, hope still flickers, but only just.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
