Seabata Mahao
The race for the 2022/23 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) title has been blown wide open as LDF FC knocked- off Bantu FC from the top of log.
LDF climbed to the top spot after beating Bantu 1-0 in Mohale’s Hoek courtesy of a controversial penalty, which riled Bantu’s supporters and management.
In the aftermath of that loss, Bantu have since parted ways with coach Abram Mongoya. A Matso Matebele have squandered a five-point lead at the top of the log and now trail LDF by one point in second place.
LDF leads the table with 53 points from 24 games, while Bantu has 52 points from the same number of games.
Linare FC and Matlama FC occupy positions three and four with 51 and 50 points, respectively.
Matlama has a game in hand, which would put them at 53 points if they were to win it.
This means any one of the teams currently occupying the top four places has a chance to win the league title this season, with about five games left before the end of the season.
Bantu’s loss to LDF was not well-received by the club supporters as well as management, who complained about the match officials’ performance during the hotly contested match.
Bantu believe that LDF was awarded a penalty that should have not been given.
Bantu FC spokesperson, Pule Mosoati has since confirmed that they have launched a protest against the match officials to the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC).
“We are now waiting for the committee to solve our issue about our previous match,†Mosoati said.
At the bottom of the log, the fight to avoid relegation is equally hot.
Galaxy FC, Naughty Boys FC, CCX FC, and Swallows FC are all fighting for their lives as they occupy the bottom four places.
Bottom of the log placed Galaxy and Naughty Boys currently have 12 and 14 points respectively from 24 matches, while Swallows and CCX have 15 and 18 points respectively.
In other matches played last weekend, Matlama FC beat LCS FC 1-0 against LCS via a Jane Thabantšo goal, while Manonyane FC defeated Naughty Boys 2-0.
LMPS FC thrashed struggling Lioli FC 3-2; CCX FC lost 0-1 to Machokha FC; and Liphakoe FC lost 0-2 to Linare FC.
Galaxy FC drew 0-0 with Lifofane FC, while Lijabatho FC drew 0-0 with Swallows.
